Probing the4pelectron-spin polarization in NiO

K-edge resonant x-ray magnetic scattering experiments have been performed on antiferromagnetic NiO. The observation of two resonances at the K edge allows the construction of models to compare the electronic properties of NiO and the observed resonant magnetic x-ray scattering. From the polarization analysis of the scattered beam, a quadrupolar transition $\left(1s-3d\right)$ and a dipolar transition $\left(1s-4p\right)$ are identified. While the quadrupolar transition can be modeled using an atomic picture for the $3d$ electrons, the dipolar transition is associated to a broadband structure of p electrons and its energy profile is compared to electronic band-structure calculations.