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Soft X-ray Studies of Pu Electronic Structure: Past Lessons and Future Directions

Journal Article · · Symposium Proceedings of the Materials Research Society, vol. 1104, N/A, October 3, 2008, pp. 1104-NN07-01

Photoelectron Spectroscopy (PES) and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS, Figure 1) have contributed greatly to our improved understanding of Pu electronic structure. From these and related measurements, the following has been determined: (1) The Pu 5f spin-orbit splitting is large; (2) The number of Pu5f electrons is near 5; and (3) The Pu 5f spin-orbit splitting effect dominates 5f itineracy. Significant questions remain concerning the nature of Pu electronic structure. Perhaps the missing piece of the puzzle is the direct experimental determination of the unoccupied electronic structure using high energy inverse photoelectron spectroscopy or Bremstrahlung Isochromat Spectroscopy (BIS). Past BIS studies of Th and U indicate the feasibility and utility of Pu studies.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-48
OSTI ID:
944370
Report Number(s):
LLNL-JRNL-401237
Journal Information:
Symposium Proceedings of the Materials Research Society, vol. 1104, N/A, October 3, 2008, pp. 1104-NN07-01, Journal Name: Symposium Proceedings of the Materials Research Society, vol. 1104, N/A, October 3, 2008, pp. 1104-NN07-01 Vol. 1104
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (5)

Failure of Russell-Saunders Coupling in the 5 f States of Plutonium journal May 2003
Resonant photoemission in f -electron systems: Pu and Gd journal October 2003
Applicability of the Spin-Orbit Sum Rule for the Actinide 5 f States journal August 2004
High-energy spectroscopic study of the occupied and unoccupied 5 f and valence states in Th and U metals journal March 1980
Competition between delocalization and spin-orbit splitting in the actinide 5 f states journal August 2005

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