X-ray magnetic circular dichroism and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering explained: role of many-body correlation and mixed-valence fluctuations

TL;DR

This paper develops a theoretical framework using the Anderson impurity model to interpret complex XMCD and RIXS-MCD spectra in correlated materials, emphasizing the importance of many-body interactions like charge transfer and core-valence exchange.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive model that incorporates charge transfer and core-valence exchange effects, enabling accurate interpretation of spectra in strongly correlated systems.

Findings

Successfully reproduces experimental spectra of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3

Highlights the necessity of charge transfer effects for spectral features

Demonstrates the impact of core-valence exchange on RIXS-MCD spectra

Abstract

X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and resonant inelastic X-ray scattering with magnetic circular dichroism (RIXS-MCD) provide unparalleled insights into the electronic and magnetic dynamics of complex materials. Yet, their spectra remain challenging to interpret due to intricate many-body interactions. Here, we introduce a theoretical framework based on the Anderson impurity model, fully incorporating charge transfer (CT) and core-valence exchange correlation (CVEC) effects. Using epitaxial ferromagnetic La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 film as a model system, we capture elusive spectral features, demonstrating the necessity of CT inclusion for resolving XMCD subpeaks and revealing the profound impact of CVEC on RIXS-MCD spectra. Our approach not only successfully mirrors experimental results but also opens new avenues for exploring spin, orbital, and charge excitations in 3d transition metals and other correlated materials.