Open AccessResonant inelastic x-ray spectroscopy on UO2 as a test case for actinide materials
Author(s) -
G. H. Lander,
Martin Sundermann,
R. Springell,
Andrew Walters,
Abhishek Nag,
Mirian García-Fernández,
KeJin Zhou,
G. van der Laan,
R. Caciuffo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of physics. condensed matter
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.908
H-Index - 228
eISSN - 1361-648X
pISSN - 0953-8984
DOI - 10.1088/1361-648x/abc4d2
Subject(s) - multiplet , excited state , actinide , inelastic scattering , spectroscopy , inelastic neutron scattering , atomic physics , resonant inelastic x ray scattering , uranium , neutron , x ray spectroscopy , materials science , scattering , physics , nuclear physics , spectral line , optics , quantum mechanics , astronomy
Resonant inelastic x-ray spectroscopy at the uranium N 4 absorption edge at 778 eV has been used to reveal the excitations in UO 2 up to 1 eV. The earlier (1989) studies by neutron inelastic scattering of the crystal-field states within the 3 H 4 multiplet are confirmed. In addition, the first excited state of the 3 F 2 multiplet at ∼520 meV has been established, and there is a weak signal corresponding to the next excited state at ∼920 meV. This represents a successful application of soft x-ray spectroscopy to an actinide sample, and resolves an open question in UO 2 that has been discussed for 50 years. The technique is described and important caveats are drawn about possible future applications.