X-ray absorption in Ce(Fe1−xCox)2 and Ce(Fe1−xAlx)2 compounds

Abstract

We present in this work an x-ray absorption spectroscopy investigation performed at the $L_{1,3}$ edges of Ce and at the K edge of iron and cobalt in the intermetallic compounds $\mathrm{Ce}({\mathrm{Fe}}_{1-x}{\mathrm{Co}}_x{)}_2$ and $\mathrm{Ce}({\mathrm{Fe}}_{1-x}{\mathrm{Al}}_x{)}_2.$ The mixed-valence behavior of Ce is found to be preserved in both series upon Fe substitution. This result rules out the development of a localized $4f$ magnetic moment at Ce atoms driven by Fe-Co and Fe-Al substitution at the origin of the anomalous magnetic behavior of these series. A further confirmation has been obtained from the analysis of the x-ray magnetic circular dichroism spectra recorded at the Ce $L_{2,3}$ absorption edges.