Features of the electronic structure of different modifications of tantalum mononitrides

The electronic structure of tantalum mononitride having a lattice of the Co Sn, WC, and NaCl type has been studied by X-ray emission, absorption and ph otoelectron spectroscopy. For all compounds the X-ray emission and absorpti on spectra were combined in a common energy scale. The charge transfer from tantalum atoms to nitrogen atoms was revealed in the nitrides studied. Str ong hybridization of the Ta5d and N2p electron states is characteristic of all examined compounds. Significant narrowing of the NK alpha-band is obser ved in the sequence TaN (CoSn structure type) --> TaN (WC structure type) - -> TaN (NaCl structure type).