Multiplet structures of metal L2,3 absorption spectra of ionic 3d transition-metal compounds

TLDR: In this article, the L 2,3 absorption spectra of the metal ions in layered 3D transition-metal thiophosphates MPS 3 (Mn, Fe, Ni) have been measured.

Abstract: The L 2,3 absorption spectra of the metal ions in layered 3d transition-metal thiophosphates MPS 3 (M=Mn, Fe, Ni) have been measured. Results are discussed by comparing with the spectra of other transition-metal compounds and with the theoretical calculation by Gupta and Sen. The spectra are interpreted in terms of the multiplet structure which results from the interaction between a 2p hole and 3d electrons of a localized metal ion. Since the p-d interaction is reduced by the delocalization of metal 3d orbitals, the multiplet structure becomes inconspicuous as covalency is increased. It is concluded that the near-edge structure of the metal L 2.3 absorption spectrum of an ionic 3d transition-metal compound exhibits the multiplet structure, while that of a covalent compound represents the projected density of states of the conduction band.