Combining state-of-the-art experiment and ab initio calculations for a better understanding of the interplay between valence, magnetism and structure in Eu compounds at high pressure

We describe how first principle calculations can play a key role in the interpretation of X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) spectra for a better understanding of emergent phenomena in condensed matter physics at high applied pressure. Eu compounds are used as case study to illustrate the advantages of this methodology, ranging from studies of electronic charge transfer probed by quadrupolar and dipolar contributions, to accurately determining electronic valence, and to inform about the influence of pressure on RKKY interactions and magnetism. This description should help advance studies where the pressure dependence of XANES and XMCD data must be tackled with the support of theoretical calculations for a proper understanding of the electronic properties of materials. ARTICLE HISTORY Received 30 April 2016 Accepted 30 June 2016