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

We present in this work an x-ray absorption spectroscopy investigation performed at the L-1,L-3 edges of Ce and at the K edge of iron and cobalt in the intermetallic compounds Ce(Fe1-xCOx)(2) and Ce(Fe1-xAlx)(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,L-3 absorption edges.