Theory of x-ray absorption and linear dichroism at the Ca L23-edge of CaCO3

X-ray absorption calculations of Ca L23-edge spectra of calcium carbonate in its two main crystal phases, calcite and aragonite, are reported. The multichannel multiple scattering theory with a correlated particle-hole wave function and a partially screened core-hole potential is used. Very good agreement with experiment for both CaCO3 phases is obtained, while the independent particle approximation completely fails. For aragonite, appreciable linear dichroism is predicted in agreement with recent observations.