Raising of Discrete Levels into the Far Continuum

Broad peaks observed in the photoabsorption spectra of rare earths ∼10-20 eV above the 4d edge are attributed to transitions 4d104fN→4d94fN+1. Exchange interaction splits the 4d94fN+1 configuration and raises some multiplets by ∼20 eV. Autoionization to 4d9-4fNεf broadens the high levels. The interpretation extends to p→d processes observed in the absorption of synchrotron light by transition elements