Systematics in the O 1s core-level spectra in transition metal oxides, LaMO₃ (M=V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co AND Ni)

Abstract

The O 1s core level spectra of transition metal oxides, LaMO₃ (M=V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni) show three features. The main peak always appears between 528 and 530 eV and is attributed to the well-screened oxygen 1s¹ 2p⁰ hole configuration in every case. The poorly-screened feature (1s¹ 2p¹ hole configuration) is found as a broad peak centred approximately 13 eV above the main peak. Another feature is at about 531 eV; the intensity of this peak is found to increase systematically across the series and its intensity cannot be explained in terms of carbonate impurity contamination. It is suggested that a considerable part of this 531 eV feature has an intrinsic origin.