Electronic structures of intermetallic rare earth compounds

The electronic structures of intermetallic rare earth compounds of different compositions: RMn2Ge2 (R = Nd, Sm), R3Mn4Sn4 (R = La, Ce, Nd), Ce3Ag4X4 (X = Ge, Sn), and Ce2MnGe6, have been investigated. XPS measurements were performed using a commercial LHS10 spectrometer. The valence band and core-level states have been analysed. In Mn compounds, the Mn 3d state forms a broad band near the Fermi level. The analysis of XPS spectra using the Gunnarsson-Schonhammer model gives the coupling parameters (hybridisation energy) between the R 4f states and electrons of the conduction band.