Strong hybridization of 4f states of heavy rare earths in intermetallic compounds -: art. no. 193101

Strong hybridization between 4f states of heavy rare earths (RE's) and valence states was found in TbRh, TbPd, and DyPd. The resonant photoemission (PE) spectra taken in the region of the RE 4d-->4f excitation threshold reveal splittings of the Tb S-8(7/2) and Dy F-7(6) components of the PE final-state multiplets if they overlap in energy the transition-metal 4d-derived valence bands of the compounds. The phenomenon is described quantitatively in the framework of the single-impurity Anderson model applied usually for the description of Ce systems. The reported results are of high importance for understanding electronic properties of heavy lanthanide systems including magnetic materials relevant for technological applications.