Magnetic linear dichroism in x-ray emission spectroscopy: Yb in Yb3 Fe5 O12

A magnetic linear dichroism MLD effect of up to 5% has been observed in the 2p 1/2 4d x-ray emission spectrum of Yb in Yb 3 Fe 5 O 12 . The spectral shape is well reproduced with an atomic multiplet calculation of the 4d to 2p decay. It is shown that the details of the spectral shapes are determined by the 4d4 f exchange interaction. While the integrated intensity of the MLD effect is zero, the magnitude of the effect is a direct measure of the 4 f magnetic moment of Yb. The technique is applicable to all rare-earth and transition-metal systems (probing the 3d magnetic moment). With respect to x-ray-absorption magnetic circular dichroism it possesses the advantage that (i) hard x rays are involved and (ii) no circular polarization is needed. Therefore all complications related to electron detection, soft x-ray experiments, and circular polarization disappear. Potential applications include the study of ~buried! magnetic systems in situ, at high pressures, varying (high) magnetic fields, and varying temperatures.