EPR of trivalent iron centers in a BaF2: Fe crystal

An orthorhombic paramagnetic Fe³⁺ ion center (concentration of iron ions is 0.1 at. %) was found using EPR in BaF₂: Fe crystals irradiated by x rays. The EPR spectra recorded in the Q range at a temperature T = 77 K exhibit both the fine structure typical of a center with effective spin S = 5/2 and a superhyperfine structure (SHFS) indicating the SHFS interaction of the electronic moment of the center with the nuclear magnetic moments of its six ligands (F^? ions). An analysis of the SHFS reveals that this center forms through the replacement of a Ba²⁺ cation by a Fe²⁺ cation, which transforms into a Fe³⁺ (⁶ A _1g ) cation under x-ray irradiation and shifts into a neutral position along the C₂ axis of the cubic coordination shell of the replaced host cation.     

An EPR study of trivalent iron in wardite

Applied Magnetic Resonance - EPR of Fe3+ in a natural phosphate single crystal (wardite) revealed the presence of only one prominent center in orthorhombic symmetry. From the orientation of the...     

Neutron detection with LiCaAlF6 scintillator doped with 3d-transition metal ions

Capability of thermal neutron detection was examined for LiCaAlF₆ (LiCAF) scintillators doped with 3d-transition metal ions. Their radioluminescence spectra were measured with an 241-Am source to simulate ⁶Li(n, α)³H reaction. The sufficiently intense radioluminescence was observed for the Mn, Co and Cu dopants, while only a weak one was observed for Ti, V, Fe and Ni. A Mn doped LiCAF crystal, which showed the highest radioluminescence intensity, was coupled with a Si avalanche photodiode for the examination of its neutron response. It was confirmed that the average current of the photodiode clearly increased under excitation with 13.5 meV neutron flux.     

Initial stage of laser ablation of LiCaAlF6 single crystal under F2 laser irradiation

Initial stage of F₂ laser ablation of LiCaAlF₆ single crystal was investigated for clarifying the possibility of applying this wide bandgap fluoride crystal to vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) optical components. The ablation threshold, determined by the appearance of line emission from ablated species, was approximately 2 Jcm^-2pulse^-1, similar to that of VUV grade CaF₂ single crystal. The laser-induced damage on the front surface of LiCaAlF₆ was faint, though adhesion of aggregated particulates of several microns was observed. PACS 79.20.Ds; 42.70.–a; 78.20.-e; 61.80.Ba; 61.82.Ms     

Absorption and EPR spectra of Cr3+ ions in a LaBeAl11O19 crystal

Electron spectra of optical absorption and EPR of Cr³⁺ ions in a LaBeAl₁₁O₁₉ crystal are investigated. It is shown that the Cr³⁺ ions occupy, three different octahedral positions of Al³⁺ in the LaBeAl₁₁O₁₉ structure, namely, 12k, 2a, and 4f₂; the ratio of their intensitites is 1∶2∶30, respectively. Parameters of the Cr³⁺ centers are determined and its is shown that the optical absorption spectra in the visible region are practically determined by the Cr³⁺ (III) occupying the 4f₂-positions. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 66, No. 2, pp. 275–277, March–April, 1999.     

The analysis of spin Hamiltonian and crystal field tensors for Fe3+ in crystals of LiCaAlF6 and LiSrAlF6

In single crystals of LiCaAlF₆ and LiSrAlF₆ doped with Fe³⁺ the trigonal EPR spectra with multiplicityK _M = 1 were observed due to Fe³⁺ substituted for Al³⁺. The spin Hamiltonian parameters describing the fine structure and the superhyperfine structure were determined. It is argued that the tensorsB ₂ andB ₄ of the spin Hamiltonian for Fe³⁺ ions are essentially determined by the quadratic contributions of the crystal field at the substitution site. The signs and the relative values of the elements in the spin Hamiltonian tensorB ₄ of rankL = 4 for Fe³⁺ are determined by the irreducible tensor product [V ₄ ?V ₄]₂ of the crystal field tensorV ₄ of rankL = 4 at the substitution sites. The ratio between the invariant sum of the spin Hamiltonian tensorB ₄ for Fe³⁺ in oxygen octahedra [FeO₆] and that in fluorine octahedra [FeF₆] is directly proportional to the fourth power of the ratio between the effective charges of surrounding ions. The sign of the spin Hamiltonian parameterB ₂₀ corresponds to the sign of the element [V ₄ ?V ₄]₂₀ in the irreducible tensor product [V ₄ ?V ₄]₂ of rankL = 2.     

EPR and optical spectroscopy of Yb3+ ions in single crystal CsCaF3

CsCaF₃ crystals doped with Yb³⁺ were studied using EPR and optical spectroscopy methods. Several types of paramagnetic centers of Yb³⁺ were found including a paramagnetic center in an uncommon 12-coordinated position. The schemes of the energy levels of the observed centers are determined and the potentials of the respective crystalline fields are calculated.     

EPR of trivalent iron centers in SrF<Subscript>2</Subscript>: Fe crystals

Paramagnetic centers of three types are found in SrF₂: Fe(0.2 at. %) crystals. Two types are observed in the untreated crystals, and the third type appears only in the crystals irradiated by x-rays. The EPR spectra of one type of centers in a nonirradiated crystal and of the centers that appear after irradiation are described by the orthorhombic Hamiltonians with an effective spin S _eff = 5/2. In both cases, the centers are observed at 4.2 and 77 K. The principal axes of the spin Hamiltonians for them are along the 〈001〉, 〈1 \(\overline 1 \) 0〉, and 〈110〉 axes. However, the fine-structure parameters of their EPR spectra differ significantly. An analysis of the superhyperfine structure (SHFS) of the EPR spectra shows that the radiation center forms through substitution of a Fe²⁺ ion for a Sr²⁺ cation. Under x-ray irradiation, the Fe²⁺ ion transforms into the Fe³⁺(⁶ A _1g ) state and is displaced to an off-center position along the C ₂ axis of its coordination cube. The absence of a SHFS in the EPR spectra of the orthorhombic centers in a nonirradiated crystal makes it impossible to determine their molecular structure unambiguously. The most probable model is proposed for this structure. The EPR spectra of centers of the third type were observed only at 4.2 K, and the structure of these centers was not studied.     

Single crystal and powder EPR study of trivalent gadolinium in Cs2NaBiCl6 in the 30-300 K interval

A crystalline electric field cubic symmetry site has been reported for Gd³⁺ in Cs₂NaBiCl₆ at room temperature. This host exhibits an apparent structural transformation below 100 K that is completely reversible. However, an EPR examination for a powdered sample of Cs₂NaBiCl₆:Gd³⁺ clearly demonstrates that there are no new large crystalline electric field symmetry sites arising between the transition temperature (100 K) and 30 K, suggesting, therefore, that the site symmetry remains predominantly cubic even at temperatures close to 30 K. In order to substantiate this statement, a computer EPR powder simulation was performed using the single-crystal-spin-Hamiltonian parameters obtained from the three different sites that emerge from the original site while observed at 30 K. A remarkable agreement is observed while comparing the computer-simulated data with that of powdered experimental data. It is important to mention here that several attempts were done trying to fit the observed new spectra to lower crystalline field symmetries, however, our best analytical adjustment was obtained with the cubic spin-Hamiltonian.Below 30 K, new structural transitions are present and the lattice loses its original cubic nature. However, at 10 K the EPR spectrum of the crystal again shows only seven lines that are very broad. This new spectrum cannot be fitted with previously used cubic spin-Hamiltonian parameters.     

Dosimeter properties of Ce and Eu doped LiCaAlF6

Optical, scintillation properties, optical stimulated luminescence, and thermally stimulated luminescence of Ce 1, 3, and 5% doped and Eu 1, 1.5, and 2% doped LiCaAlF₆ crystals fabricated by Tokuyama Corp. were investigated. In transmittance, absorption was proportional to dopant concentrations and typical optical quantum yield of Ce and Eu-doped LiCaAlF₆ were 40 and 100%, respectively. Scintillation wavelength and decay time profiles were investigated under X-ray irradiation. Ce³⁺ and Eu²⁺ 5d-4f luminescence appeared around 300 nm and 370 nm with typical decay time of 40 ns and 1.5 μs, respectively. Optically stimulated luminescence of Ce-doped ones appeared under 405 nm stimulation with detectable intensity while those of Eu doped ones were quite weak. Thermally stimulated luminescence of Ce- and Eu-doped LiCaAlF₆ were enough strong and they exhibited good response function from 1 to 1000 mGy exposure.     

Cr~（3＋）：LiCaAlF_6晶体的缺陷

观察并分析了Ｃｒ３＋：ＬｉＣａＡｌＦ６晶体中的缺陷，发现其中主要包括组分过冷、不定形固体颗粒和异相微晶颗粒等三类包裹体。此外，缺陷的宏观分布与生长方向有关。最后，讨论了缺陷的产生机理和消除途径。     

XRD and EPR structural investigation of some zinc borate glasses doped with iron ions

Glasses in the system xFe₂O₃·(100?x) [45ZnO·55B₂O₃] (0≤x≤10 mol%) have been prepared by melting at 1200 °C and rapidly cooling at room temperature. The obtained samples were submitted to an additional thermal treatment at 570 °C for 12 h in order to relax the glass structure as well as to improve the local order. The as cast and heat treated samples were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements. The XRD patterns of all the studied samples show their vitreous nature. Structural modifications occurring in the heat treated samples compared to the untreated ones have been pointed out. EPR spectra of untreated and heat treated samples revealed resonance absorptions centered at g≈2.0, g≈4.3 and g≈6.4. The compositional variation of the line intensity and linewidth of the absorptions from g≈4.3 and g≈2.0 have been interpreted in terms of the variation in the concentration of the Fe³⁺ ions and the interaction between the iron ions. The EPR spectra of the untreated samples containing 5 mol% Fe₂O₃ have been studied at different temperatures (110–290 K). The line intensity of the resonance signals decreases with increase in temperature whereas the linewidth is found to be independent of temperature. It was also found that the temperature variation of reciprocal line intensity obeys the Boltzmann law.     

EPR of a non-Kramers iron ion in KTaO3

The EPR spectrum of the non-Kramers iron ion Fe⁴⁺ (S=2) in a KTaO₃:Fe crystal appearing after illumination of the sample in the visible has been detected and studied. Because of the large initial splitting (|D|=4.15 cm⁻¹), only transitions within the |±1〈 and |±2〈 doublets are seen experimentally. Superhyperfine structure in the spectrum of a non-Kramers ion in perovskites has been detected for the first time. A structure is proposed for the center responsible for the new EPR spectrum, which represents a complex of a Fe₄₊ ion substituting for Ta with an oxygen vacancy at the nearest anion site. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 1424–1427 (August 1999)     

Optical properties of trivalent chromium ions in the LiNbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystal

The formulas of the crystal-field theory have been adapted to a system with the symmetry group C _3v. A simple method has been proposed for including the polarization of the local environment of the Cr³⁺ impurity ion in LiNbO₃. A model dependent on one parameter has been proposed for a distortion of the niobium octahedron due to the incorporation of the trivalent chromium ion. This parameter has been determined from experimental data. The parameters of the intraionic and interionic interactions have been obtained for the Cr³⁺ ion in the lithium and niobium positions of the crystal lattice of lithium niobate.     

Electronic structure and spectrum of Cr3+ in LiCaAlF6

The electronic structure and spectrum of Cr³⁺ in LiCaAlF₆ are investigated by using the discrete variatitional-local density functional (DV-LDF) method with embedded cluster model. The clusters (CrF₆)^3– withC ₃,D _3d andO _h point group symmetries embedded in the crystal are treated. The one-electron energy levels, densities of states, orbital populations, spin polarization splittings and energies of some terms are calculated. The results show that the relaxation of F^– ions around the Cr³⁺ impurity is inevitable, and that theD _3d andO _h (CrF₆)^3– clusters, with an extended bond-lengthR(Cr–F) chosen to be equal to 1.88 Å can represent this relaxation in a much better way. All the ligand-field transition energies, which are obtained from the transition-state energy and the Griffith parameters, as yielded by a restricted one-electron DV-LDF calculation, compare well with the experimental ones.     

EPR sites of molybdenum ions in single crystals of Cs2HfCl6 and Cs2ZrCl6

Five different spectra of Molybdenum ions in single crystals of Cs₂ZrCl₆ and Cs₂HfCl₆ are reported. Two of them have a Γ₈ ground state and were assigned to the Mo³⁺ ion. The third is fitted to an axial spin Hamiltonian with S = 1. The two others have a Kramers' doublet ground state of S = 1/2 and due to Mo⁵⁺.     

+3价离子掺杂钨酸铅晶体发光性能和微观缺陷的研究

通过透射光谱、x射线激发发射光谱（XSL）的测试，研究了Bridgman法生长的几种不同+3价离子掺杂钨酸铅晶体的发光性能，并利用正电子湮没寿命谱（PAT）和x光电子能谱（XPS）的实验手段，对不同钨酸铅晶体的微观缺陷进行研究.实验表明，不同的+3价离子掺杂，对钨酸铅晶体发光性能的改善不同，并使得晶体中正电子俘获中心和低价氧的浓度发生不同变化.其中掺镧晶体的正电子俘获中心和低价氧浓度均上升，而掺钇和掺铋晶体的正电子俘获中心和低价氧浓度均下降，掺锑晶体则出现了正电子俘获中心浓度上升、低价氧浓度下降的情况.提 关键词： 钨酸铅晶体 +3价离子掺杂 正电子湮没寿命谱 x光电子能谱     

Study of divalent and trivalent chromium in forsterite by high-frequency EPR spectroscopy

Divalent and trivalent chromium ions Cr²⁺ and Cr³⁺ replacing magnesium ions at octahedral positions in Mg₂SiO₄: Cr and Mg₂SiO₄: Cr: Li crystals are investigated by submillimeter EPR spectroscopy in the frequency range 65–230 GHz. The crystals are grown from the melt by the Czochralski method. The content of mixed-valence chromium species in forsterite is analyzed. It is demonstrated that, in crystals grown in argon (the oxygen partial pressure is \(P_{O_2 } \) = 0.01 kPa), approximately half of the chromium ions are in the divalent form. The Cr²⁺ ions are distributed over the M1 and M2 positions in a ratio of approximately 2: 1. A change in the oxygen partial pressure \(P_{O_2 } \) and the chromium concentration, as well as an additional doping with lithium, does not lead to substantial changes in the distribution of divalent chromium ions over the positions. It is shown that an increase in the oxygen partial pressure \(P_{O_2 } \) from 0.01 to 2.00 kPa results in a decrease in the coefficient of divalent chromium distribution between the crystal and the melt. Doping with lithium also decreases the concentration of Cr²⁺ centers. In crystals grown without lithium, approximately half of the trivalent chromium ions are associated with magnesium vacancies. The addition of lithium leads to the destruction of these associates, an increase in the concentration of individual Cr³⁺ centers, and the formation of lithium associates with trivalent chromium ions. The conditions for the formation of associates of trivalent chromium ions with lithium ions are optimum when the crystal contains approximately identical amounts of Cr³⁺ and Li⁺ ions. Doping with lithium increases the concentration of Cr³⁺ ions and, thus, decreases the fraction of Cr²⁺ and Cr⁴⁺ ions in the total content of chromium centers.