A new method for determining the valence of lanthanide compounds: Lγ4 emission spectroscopy

What is it about?

We have examined the potential of Lγ4 emission spectroscopy as a new method for valence determination. Sm Lγ4 emission spectra of a mixed valence compound, SmB6, as well as Sm standard references were recorded using a multicrystal, multidetector spectrometer at 298 K. The Lγ4 spectra exhibited a large chemical shift (~4.5 eV) and substantial profile changes depending on the Sm oxidation state. The Lγ4 spectrum of SmB6 was well reproduced by the averaged spectra of SmS and SmF3, indicating a SmB6 valence of 2.65.

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Why is it important?

The advantages of the Lγ4 method, including simple data treatment and no need for an excitation energy scan, will encourage its use in several areas of materials science.