Electronic and vibronic spectra of Pr in LiYF4

The polarized absorption and fluorescence spectra of Pr³⁺ in single crystals of LiYF₄ having the scheelite structure have been investigated and assignments made on the basis of S₄ site symmetry. Strong vibronic coupling associated with the ³H₄→³H₅, ¹D₂ transitions in absorption and the ³P₀→³H_4,6 transitions in fluorescence was observed. Using selection rules for vibronic coupling and the known k = 0 phonons, these “extra” features of the spectrum can be accounted for in polarization and frequency.