The density of states of Pd in Cu given by impurity calculations is shown to be incompatible with the observed profile of Pd Auger transitions. Extended x-ray-absorption fine-structure experiments show that there is a local expansion of the lattice around Pd impurities in Cu but not in Ag. An analysis of the influence of the local lattice expansion on the electronic structure of CuPd alloys shows that it leads to a reduction in the intensity of the Pd density of states at the bottom of the band and yields a Pd density of states in good agreement with the observed Auger profile.

• Received 10 April 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.36.9098