Electron correlation and surface/bulk effects in various spectra of Ce compounds

In this paper we review a variety of spectra for Ce compounds, i.e. valence photoemission and inverse valence photoemission, core-level and resonant photoemssion as well as X-ray absorption, X-ray emission and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (MCD). Those spectra are theoretically analysed by using the single-site Anderson model with various final state interactions. In the first part of the present article we are considering intermetallic Ce compounds, especially several Ce-Pd ordered phases, as well as CeRh3, CeSn3 and CeFe2. In the second part we focus on insulating Ce compounds like CeF3 as well as related systems like Ce oxides. Also we compare Ce hydroxides to other rare-earth hydroxides. Discussions are given on the physical information derived from the analysis, especially through a few key parameters of an extended version of the previously considered Anderson model. Those parameters (i.e. the Coulomb interaction U-fd between 5d and 4f electrons as well as the core hole potential -U-dc acting on the 5d electron) have necessarily to be taken into account in order to interpret the experimental L-3 X-ray absorption spectra. Another important point stressed in the present paper is the surface/bulk sensitivities of the various spectra to be investigated and theoretically analysed. Also similarities and differences in spectral features between metallic and insulating systems are pointed out. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.