K beta-to-K alpha x-ray intensity ratio studies of the valence electronic structure of Fe and Ni in FexNi1-x alloys - art. no. 073109

K beta -to-K alpha x-ray intensity ratios of Fe and Ni in pure metals and i n FexNi1-x alloys (x = 0.20, 0.50, 0.58) exhibiting similar crystalline str ucture have been measured following excitation by 59.54 keV gamma rays from a 200 mCi Am-241 point source to understand why the properties of the FexN i1-x (x = 0.2) alloy are distinct from other alloy compositions. The valenc e electronic structure of Fe and Ni in the samples has been evaluated by co mparing the measured K beta -to-K alpha intensity ratios with the results o f multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock calculations. Significant changes in the 3d electron population (with respect to the pure metal) are observed for Fe a nd Ni for certain alloy compositions. These changes can be explained by ass uming rearrangement of electrons between 3d and (4s,4p) band states of the individual metal atoms. It has been found that the valence electronic struc ture of the Fe0.2Ni0.8 alloy is totally different from the other two alloys , which perhaps is connected to the special magnetic properties of this all oy.