Electronic structure modifications of platinum and nickel produced by
alloying these two metals were studied on a series of single crystals
of different composition by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, using synch
rotron radiation. Both Pt and Ni absorption edges show simultaneous st
ructure changes. These modifications are located mainly several electr
onvolts above the Fermi level. The variation in hole number in the Pt
5d band was estimated by several analysis methods which all conclude t
o an electron transfer from nickel to platinum. Conversely, the modifi
cations observed on the Ni K edge are situated at the neighborhood of
E(f) and are interpreted as a population rearrangement between 3d,4s,
and 4p levels. These observations are finally discussed by comparison
with photoemission results and published calculations of density of st
ates.