Revelation of Ni magnetic moment in GdNi single crystal by soft X-ray magnetic circular dichroism

Magnetic moment of Ni in GdNi single crystal was studied through the soft X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) and the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) at the Ni L2,3-edges and the Gd M4,5-edges. Our experiment revealed for the first time that the Ni 3d band is not filled completely even at the content of 50 at.% of Gd and the Ni does retain a total magnetic moment coupling antiparallel to that of Gd. This result implied that the Ni in GdNi holds an intrinsic magnetic moment even at 50 at.% of Gd and contradicts the well-known charge transfer model. Further by employing the magneto-optical sum rule, the spin and orbital angular magnetic moment were evaluated and discussed.