Compton profile study of bonding in BeO

The isotropic Compton profile of BeO has been measured using a gamma-ray Co mpton spectrometer which employs a 5 Ci annular Am-241 source. The measurem ent is compared with the theoretical HF-LCAO Compton profile published by L ichanot et al. The measurement has also been compared with our calculations based on the RFA model employing different ionic wavefunctions. It is seen that the experimental Compton profile is in very good agreement with the H F-LCAO calculations. To determine the nature of bonding, equal-valence-elec tron-density Compton profile of BeO has been compared with that of the isov alent compound MgO. It is observed that the bonding in BeO is partially cov alent and less ionic than MgO in agreement with the conclusions of the HF-L CAO calculation. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics. [S0021-9606(99)016 24-4].