Multiplet splitting of core-electron binding energies in chromium compounds

The multiplet structure of core-electron binding energies in Cr3s and Cr3p levels of CrCl3 and CrBr3 compounds is investigated by means of x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. In Cr3s core levels a doublet splitting of about 4.3 eV is observed for the main emission in both halides. The presence of satellite structures is observed both in Cr3s and Cr3p energy levels. In the Cr3s spectrum the main emission is assigned to intra-atomic multiplet splittings accompanied by correlation-induced satellites. Final state screening (charge-transfer) effects do not affect the satellite structures in a relevant way. This explains why the Cr3s splitting in chromium halides is proportional to the local magnetic moment.