Optical reflectivity of glassy PdUSi alloys

Abstract

Optical reflectivity measurements of several PdUSi alloys are presented and their dependence on the uranium concentration in the range between 0 and 60 at. % is studied. The effects of the U 5f band, together with the change from the 5f² to the 5f³ electron configuration (starting between 6.6 and 20 at. % U), and of the changing valence bandwidth on adding uranium are discussed. In addition, the glassy and icosahedral phases of Pd₆₀U₂₀Si₂₀ are compared. For the icosahedral phase, a more prominent contribution of the U 5f states to the valence band as well as the onset of crystalline effects are observed.