X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies of Yb14MnSb11 and Yb14ZnSb11

Measurements of core and valence electronic states of single crystals of the rare earth transition metal Zintl phases Yb₁₄MnSb₁₁ and Yb₁₄ZnSb₁₁ were performed using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy station of Beamline 7 at the Advanced Light Source. Sample surfaces of Yb₁₄MnSb₁₁ and Yb₁₄ZnSb₁₁ were measured as received, after Ar⁺ ion bombardment, and after cleaving in situ. The single crystal structure of Yb₁₄ZnSb₁₁ is also reported. Both compounds are air-sensitive and show Yb³⁺ due to surface oxidation. In the case of Yb₁₄MnSb₁₁, there is no evidence for Yb³⁺ that would be intrinsic to the sample, consistent with previously reported X-ray magnetic circular dichroism studies. Detailed analyses of the Yb₁₄ZnSb₁₁ surfaces reveal a significant contribution of both Yb³⁺ and Yb²⁺ 4f states in the valence band region. This result is predicted for the Zn analog by Zintl counting rules and support the mixed valency of Yb for Yb₁₄ZnSb₁₁. Further detailed analysis of the core and valence band structure of both Yb₁₄MnSb₁₁ and Yb₁₄ZnSb₁₁ is presented.