DICHROISM AND SPIN INFORMATION IN SOFT-X-RAY EMISSION

We demonstrate that soft X-ray emission excited at the L-3 threshold o f Fe metal maps the spin-resolved local partial density of occupied st ates. In contrast to earlier predictions, the spin resolution is achie ved primarily by selective excitation. Circular magnetic dichroism in the X-ray emission process is also shown to have an influence on the f inal state spin contribution to the spectra. The importance of taking reflection, self-absorption of the incoming and outgoing radiation and the Auger decay channels into consideration in the data analysis is e mphasized. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.