Spin-Orbit Coupling in Actinide Cations

Journal Article · Sat Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 2012 · Chemical Physics Letters, 546:58-62

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cplett.2012.07.035· OSTI ID:1054834

Bagus, Paul S; Ilton, Eugene S; Martin, Richard L; Jensen, Hans Jorgen A; Knecht, Stefan

The limiting case of Russell-Saunders coupling, which leads to a maximum spin alignment for the open shell electrons, usually explains the properties of high spin ionic crystals with transition metals. For actinide compounds, the spin-orbit splitting is large enough to cause a significantly reduced spin alignment. Novel concepts are used to explain the dependence of the spin alignment on the 5f shell occupation. We present evidence that the XPS of ionic actinide materials may provide direct information about the angular momentum coupling within the 5f shell.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (US)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 1054834
• Report Number(s): PNNL-SA-91843; KC0303020
• Journal Information: Chemical Physics Letters, 546:58-62, Journal Name: Chemical Physics Letters, 546:58-62
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English