Branching Ratios of the Circular Dichroism at Rare EarthL23Edges

Abstract
The branching ratios in the circular dichroism of the rare-earth L23 edges are explained in a model where the 5d band is empty in the ground state. In the final state the 5d radial wave function contracts not only by the 5d- 4f spin-spin interaction but by the complete exchange interaction. This explains the L3/L2 ratios, the relative magnitude of the quadrupole contribution, and the dispersive shape of the signal in ionic compounds.