High-magnetic-field X-ray absorption spectroscopy of field-induced valence transition in EuNi(SiGe)

Matsuda, Yasuhiro*; Inami, Toshiya; Owada, Kenji; Murata, Yuto*; Nojiri, Hiroyuki*; Murakami, Yoichi*; Mitsuda, Akihiro*; Wada, Hirofumi*; Miyazaki, Hiroshi*; Harada, Isao*

The magnetic-field-induced valence transition in EuNi(SiGe) (x=0.82, 0.85) has been studied by X-ray absorption spectroscopy at low temperatures. The field dependence of the Eu valence is directly observed for the first time. We find a significant decrease in the valences at high magnetic fields above 40 T. The valence of Eu changes from v = 2.75 at a zero field to v = 2.33 at 40 T for x = 0.82. The results are analyzed using a theoretical model. The hybridization parameter V between the Eu and Eu states and the energy separation are determined, which are crucial for quantum mechanical mixing.