Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra are recorded at the L-3 absorpt
ion edge of rare-earth ions in R2Fe14B. In all cases, weak resonances are o
bserved at energies below the dipolar whiteline, ascribed to 2p --> 4f quad
rupolar excitations. Their energy position is in excellent agreement with t
he pre-edge features in the XMCD spectra of the same samples. (C) 1999 Else
vier Science B.V. All rights reserved.