Resonant X-ray scattering as a probe of the valence and magnetic ground state and excitations in Pr0.6Ca0.4MnO3

X-ray resonant techniques have been used to study the ground state and electronic excitations of the perovskite Pr0.6Ca0.4MnO3. We utilized resonant diffraction at the Mn K-edge as a contrast technique for determining the pattern of Mn atoms in inequivalent crystallographic sites. In order to determine the important properties of the 3d electrons in this system, we have probed the unoccupied 3d orbitals using the magnetic and non-magnetic soft X-ray diffraction at the Mn L-edges. Finally resonant inelastic X-ray scattering experiments have been performed at the Mn K-edge. This latter technique provides new insights into the ground state as it probes the elementary electronic excitations. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.