Resonant inelastic X-ray scattering at the L3 edge of Eu2+, Gd3+, and Tb4+ compounds

4d-->2p inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) spectra of Eu-2, Gd3+ and Tb4+ compounds, resonantly enhanced at the rare-earth L; absorption edge, are presented. Despite their common S-8(7.2)(4f(7)) ground state, the RIXS spectra display strong differences, arising from the different energy separation between the dipolar (E1) and quadrupolar (E2) excitation channels, and the 5d crystal field splitting. The quantitative determination of these energy separations provides further experimental input for the correct interpretation of X-ray Magnetic Circular Dichroism (XMCD) experiments performed at the L-2.3 edges of the rare-earth compounds. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.