MAGNETIC CIRCULAR X-RAY DICHROISM AT THE RARE-EARTH L-2,L-3 EDGES

We report a successful interpretation of the systematic trend observed in the magnetic circular X-ray dichroism at the rare-earth L-2,L-3 ed ges, taking into account the novel role played by the 4f-5d intra-atom ic exchange interaction, the contraction of the radial part of the 5d wave function which results in the enhancement of the 2p-5d electric d ipole matrix-element, and the usual role of the polarization of the 5d ground state. In addition, a contribution of the quadrupole transitio n just below the edges is discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. Al l rights reserved.