Correlation between L3 absorption satellite intensity and spin moment in ultrathin Ni films

Hybridization and magnetism in ultrathin Ni films grown on Co/Cu(001) are studied using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD). XAS shows a dramatic decrease in the density of unoccupied Ni d-states as the Ni coverage is reduced from 1 to 0.2 ML. The thickness dependent electronic structure is related to the Ni interface magnetism. Using XMCD sum rule analysis indicates that the increased Ni d-state occupation is accompanied by a sharp decrease in the Ni spin moment. The value of this spin moment is correlated with the 6 eV satellite in the XA spectra and is explained in terms of the configuration interaction model. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.