X-ray absorption spectroscopy of single-crystalline (VO)2P2O7:: Electronic structure and possible exchange paths -: art. no. 073103

Using polarization-dependent V 2p and O 1s near-edge x-ray absorption spectroscopy, we studied the unoccupied electronic structure of single-crystalline (VO)(2)P2O7 It is highly anisotropic, and shows similarities to vanadium oxides like VO2 and V2O5 at the V 2p edge and at the O Is threshold. The contributions from V-O and P-O orbitals could be identified. The results rule out the spin ladder model for the magnetic behavior of (VO)(2)P2O7, but are consistent with the alternating chain scenario.