Synchrotron radiation spectroscopy study of FeCr2X4 (X=S and Se)

Abstract

Electronic structures of FeCr(2)X(4) (X=S and Se) have been investigated by employing soft-x-ray absorption spectroscopy and soft-x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). It is found that FeCr(2)S(4) and FeCr(2)Se(4) have similar electronic structures. The valence states of Cr and Fe ions are nearly trivalent (Cr(3+)) and divalent (Fe(2+)), respectively. The Fe 3d states are strongly hybridized to the X p states. The Fe and Cr 2p XMCD study provides evidence for the antiparallel alignment between Cr and Fe spins and the strong hybridization between the Fe 3d and X p electrons. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.