Correlation of spectral and thermodynamical parameters for rare earth metals

A qualitative model describing the surface of rare earth metals with an uncompleted 4f electron shell (Ce-Yb) and the process of thermal evaporation from this surface is proposed. The model is based on a correlation established between the energies of the lowest-lying levels of the 4f/sup N-1/5d6s/sup 2/ configuration and the temperatures of equal saturated-vapor pressures of these metals. The possibility of experimental confirmation of the model is suggested.