Core and valence excitations in Ni 2Si

Abstract

We present an electron energy loss analysis of Ni 2Si around the NiM 2,3 and NiL 2,3 edges and in the range 0–30 eV (valence excitations). An intensity reduction of the Ni L 2,3 edge of the silicide is observed and interpreted in terms of a depletion of d metal electrons at the Fermi level E F. The reduction in the Ni M 2,3 Fano line shape with respect to that for pure nickel is also described in a similar way. The near-edge region gives information on the partial density of states in the region above E F and is related to the structures observed in the valence band range. Particular attention was paid to the study of the Ni 2Si local structure obtained from the analysis of the extended energy loss fine structures beyond the Ni M 2,3 level.