Local partial densities of states in Ni and Co silicides studied by soft-x-ray-emission spectroscopy

The Ni and Co monosilicides and disilicides are studied by soft-x-ray-emission spectroscopy. The Si ${\mathit{L}}_{2,3}$ spectra, which provide a measure of the partial densities of states of s and d angular momentum symmetry ([s+d] PDOS) localized on the Si site, are compared with available theoretical calculations, and discussed in terms of the contribution of s electrons to the bonding. The Ni and Co ${\mathit{M}}_{2,3}$ emission spectra are also obtained, and analyzed to provide information about the d PDOS localized at the metal site. These spectra are discussed in terms of p-d bonding in the silicides.