Understanding the O4,5 edge structure of actinide metals

Using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS) and many-electron atomic spectral calculations, we examine the O4,5 (5d → 5f) edge structure of the ground-state α phase of Th, U, Np, Pu, Am, and Cm metal. Results show that the dipole-allowed transitions are contained within the giant resonance and that the small pre-peak in the actinide 5d → 5f transition should not be labeled the O5 peak, but rather the ΔS=1 peak. Lastly, we present for the first time the O4,5 EELS spectra for Np, Am, and Cm metal