Comparative investigation of CeNiSn2 Isotype compounds by X-ray absorptionspectroscopy

We present the comparative study of several CeM1-xSn2 compounds where M sta nds for a transition metal element (Fe,Ni,Mn,Cu). All the reported samples are found to retain the CeNiSn2 structure type with a deficiency in transit ion metal relative to the prototype concentration. Depending on the transit ion metal element used and or its concentration many different magnetic pro perties have been evidenced : antiferromagnetic order, ferromagnetic order. .. X-ray absorption spectroscopy has been performed on the L-III edge of Ce in order to probe the 4f electronic state of Ce. The spectra are discussed in terms of change in the Ce valence as result of M substitution and M-Ce bonding. The present results are compared to earlier reported neutron diffr action experiments.