Magnetic properties and electronic structure of GdNi4Si compound

Electronic structure of the ternary GdNi₄Si compound, crystallizing in hexagonal CaCu₅ structure (P6/mmm space group) was studied by magnetic measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ab initio calculations. Core levels and valence band were investigated. The valence band of the XPS spectra is determined mainly by the Ni(3d) and Gd(4f) bands. The peaks’ positions are in good agreement with binding energies of a metallic gadolinium and nickel. The experimental valence band spectrum as well as the calculated density of states exhibit the domination of the Ni(3d) states in region from −4 eV to the Fermi level.