UNOCCUPIED 3D-DERIVED STATES IN NI SILICIDES VIA NI L2,3 X-RAY ABSORPTION-SPECTROSCOPY

We report Ni L2.3 X-ray absorption spectra as measured from bulk ingots of Ni2Si and NiSi2. A similar amount of unoccupied 3d character is found in the electronic structure of both silicides regardless of the differences occurring in the coordination local to the Ni sites. This is discussed in terms of the results of calculations of the partial density of states of Ni silicides and contrasted with recently reported ultraviolet inverse photoemission data which suggest complete depletion of the unoccupied Ni 3d-related states upon moving from Ni2Si to NiSi2.