Electronic structure of Ni-Al interfaces

Electronic structure of nickel-aluminium interface is studied on both experimental and theoretical sides. Spectral densities of states are investigated by electron stimulated X-ray emission spectroscopy, each metal at the interface being analysed separately. Theoretical densities of states are obtained using a one electron tight binding scheme associated with a recursion method. Experimental as well as theoretical results show a similar behaviour of the Ni 3d states at interface and in the bulk. On the contrary the sp conduction band of aluminium at interface differs strongly from the bulk one; this change is theoretically interpreted as a coupling of the Al sp-Ni 3d states.