Method of linearizing the 3d L-3/L-2 white line ratio as a function of magnetic moment

We have developed a parameterization method which linearizes the relationsh ip between local magnetic moment and the 3d L-3/L-2 "white line" ratio as o bserved in electron energy loss spectroscopy or X-ray near edge absorption spectroscopy. We first establish that the parameterization linearizes an ex isting theoretical result for ratio versus moment. We then test our method on data sets for which a white line ratio has been previously published by other authors, who have studied a series of compounds using a consistent de convolution procedure. Finally, we apply our linearization method to the ob served ratios of a series of 3d transition metals, and to the Cr L edges fo r a AuxCr((1-x)) alloy. In addition we obtain, for the first time, experime ntal results on the Au L-3 and L-2 edge white lines of this alloy system. T hese results are consistent with a model in which the large local moment in this system is not limited to Cr dopants, but extends into the gold matrix . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.