Energy distribution and spin polarisation of photoelectrons from UTesub(x)Sbsub(1-x)

Photoemission energy distribution curves obtained from single crystals of UTe, UTesub(0.12)Sbsub(0.88) and USb in the photon energy range hv < 11 eV are interpreted in terms of the densities of states of the 6d and 5p bands. The fact that the 5f electrons do not contribute to the photoemission spectra is established by observing negative electron spin polarisation for ferromagnetic UTe. The emission intensity of the d states indicates a higher occupancy of the d conduction band for UTe, whereas in UTesub(0.12)Sbsub(0.88) and USb the p valence band shifts to lower binding energies and narrows considerably. The participation of 5f electrons in bonding is discussed. (author)