Valence instability in the bulk and at the surface of the antiferromagnet SmRh2Si2

A. Chikina, A. Generalov, Kurt Kummer, M. Güttler, V. N. Antonov, Yu Kucherenko, Kristin Kliemt, C. Krellner, S. Danzenbächer, T. Kim, P. Dudin, C. Geibel, C Laubschat, D V Vyalikh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Using resonant angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy and electron band-structure calculations, we explore the electronic structure and properties of Sm atoms at the surface and in the bulk of the antiferromagnet SmRh2Si2. We show that the Sm atoms reveal weak mixed-valent behavior both in the bulk and at the surface. Although trivalent 4f emission strongly dominates, a small divalent 4f signal near the Fermi energy can be clearly resolved for surface and bulk Sm atoms. This behavior is quite different to most other Sm-based materials which typically experience a surface valence transition to a divalent state of Sm atoms at the surface. This phenomenon is explained in analogy to the isostructural Ce compound, where strong 4f hybridization stabilizes mixed-valent ground state both in the bulk and at the surface, and which were described in the light of the single-impurity Anderson model. Implications for other RERh2Si2 (RE = rare-earth elements) compounds are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Article number155127
JournalPhysical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
Volume95
Issue number15
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Apr 17

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Condensed Matter Physics

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