Probing 5f electronic hybridization in Uranium compounds via x-ray magnetic circular dichroism

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We study the spin-dependent electronic structure of UTe and UT₂Si₂ (T=Cu and Mn) compounds with a combination of x-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements and first principle calculations. By exploiting the presence of sizable quadrupolar and dipolar contributions to the U L₂,₃-edge x-ray absorption cross section we are able to provide unique information on the extent of hybridization between 5f and 6d/3d electronic states, a key parameter regulating the physical properties of all actinide materials. Since this information is hardly accessible to other probes, the new methodology opens up new venues for investigating this important class of materials.