CombiningM- andL-edge resonant inelastic x-ray scattering for studies of3dtransition metal compounds

Abstract

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) measurements performed jointly across the ${M}_{2,3}$ and ${L}_{3}$ absorption thresholds are used to study CoO local electronic structure and are supported by model calculations. The high-resolution experimental data provide a precise set of parameters to describe the correlated response of valence electrons. The same core-hole independent set of parameters within the single impurity Anderson model is used to describe both the $M$ $(3p\text{\ensuremath{-}}3d)$ and $L$ $(2p\text{\ensuremath{-}}3d)$ resonances. This work shows that combining $M$ and $L$ scattering data provides an enhanced contrast view of the spectral weights. Measured ${M}_{2,3}$-RIXS spectra are observed to be free of charge-transfer or normal fluorescence contributions. Moreover the cross section of $M$-RIXS final states with change in spin multiplicity is low. Combining this information with $L$-edge studies establishes an appealing means of making a better separation between on-site and intersite (ligand to metal) electronic excitations. Experimental and theoretical features specific to RIXS studies performed at $M$ and $L$ edges are summarized as a basis for future studies on complex transition metal compounds.