  We present a discussion of published x-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD)
measurements performed at the uranium M_4,5 edges of metallic uranium
compounds, focusing on the shape of the dichroic signal at the M_5 edge. A well
resolved double lobe structure, comprised of a positive and a negative peak, is
sometimes observed. Out of the twelve metallic uranium compounds so far
investigated by XMCD, six exhibit an intense double-lobe structure at the M_5
edge. This line shape gives information on the empty 5f magnetic density of
states with angular quantum number j=7/2. Conclusions about the difference
between these two families of compounds are given regarding the splitting of
the j=7/2 band and the occupation among the different m_7/2 sublevels.
