Two-component analysis of the 4f multiplet of samarium hexaboride

Abstract We present a detailed study on the temperature-dependence of the Sm 4 f states in mixed-valent samarium hexaboride (SmB 6 ) which, as a consequence of the hybridization with the conduction band states, largely determine the physical properties of the system. By comparing soft X-ray photoemission spectra of SmB 6 with those of Sm 0.35 La 0.65 B 6 , we discuss the apparent differences and similarities of the two systems. Based on our analyses we show that the 4 f spectra of SmB 6 can be separated into two independent spectral contributions with the 4 f peak maxima at different binding energies, representing two different electronic 4 f configurations existing in the system.