Sm M_4,5 Spectra of Metallic Samarium and Samarium Hexaboride

Abstract

The samarium M_4,5 emission and absorption spectra of Sm-metal and SmB₆ were studied. It was found that the spectra of these materials are in close resemblance. The emission spectra obtained by higher excitation energies exhibit appreciable effects of self-absorption because of the presence of absorption peaks in the same energy region. Contrary to the case of the L-edge absorption the M_4,5 absorption of SmB₆ showed no distinct indication of the difference due to Sm³⁺ and Sm²⁺ ions. The spectra of Sm₂O₃, SmS and SmSe were also studied, and it was observed that they have common features among themselves regardless of the difference in the valence of Sm ions.