The local-spin-selective x-ray-absorption spectrum and the magnetic-circular-dichroism spectrum are measured at the manganese K edge of MnP. Both spectra show the presence of a strong spin polarization at the edge. A comparison of the two techniques makes it possible to determine the energy dependence of the Fano factor. It is found that the Fano factor is -4% at the edge but it decreases quickly over an energy range of 10 eV to values lower than 1%. The local-spin-selective x-ray-absorption spectrum is compared to the empty density of states as determined from a local-spin-density band-structure calculation. The use of the Kβ detection yields a spectrum with considerably better resolution, which offers new possibilities for more detailed comparisons with electronic-structure models.

• Received 22 September 1994

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.51.1045