Temperature-independent ytterbium valence in YbGaGe

We have determined the ytterbium valence as a function of temperature in the reported near-zero thermal expansion material YbGaGe using x-ray photoemission at various incident photon energies. The Yb 3d, 4d, and 4f levels, which directly yield the Yb valence, have been measured. Careful analysis enabled the clear separation of surface and bulk contributions. Resonant photoemission at the 4d-4f absorption edge was used to enhance the low contribution of the Yb(3+) component. Contrary to the initially proposed Yb valence transition, we find no change in the valence from room temperature down to 115 K.