Investigations of zero-field splitting and defect structure for the tetragonal FeK-OI center in KTaO3 crystal

By using the defect structure data (characterized by the coordinates of impurity center) obtained from the shell model and the density functional theory in the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) corresponding to two supercell sizes, the zero-field splitting D of the tetragonal -O_I center in KTaO₃ crystal is calculated from the high-order perturbation formula based on the dominant spin-orbit coupling mechanism. The calculated results suggest that the sign of zero-field splitting D is negative and the defect structure data obtained from GGA method are more reasonable. Compared with that corresponding to the smaller supercell size, the calculated D value based on the GGA coordinates corresponding to the larger supercell size is closer to the observed value, suggesting that the GGA coordinates obtained from the larger supercell size are more accurate.     

Schottky defects in cubic lattice of SrTiO3

Structural and electronic properties produced by formation of Schottky defects in cubic structure of SrTiO₃ crystal are investigated by means of a quantum-chemical simulation based on the Hartree-Fock methodology. The occurrence of Sr partial Schottky defect (V_Sr+V_O) and two types of Ti partial Schottky defects (V_Ti+2V_O) is modeled using a supercell containing 135 atoms. Vacancy-induced changes in the positions of their neighboring atoms are analyzed in light of the computed electron density redistribution in the defective region of supercell. The observed local one-electron energy levels in the gap between the upper valence band and the conduction band can be attributed to the presence of anion and cation vacancies.     

EPR investigation of the trivalent chromium complexes in SrTiO3

The trivalent chromium centers were investigated by means of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) in SrTiO₃ single crystals grown using the Verneuil technique. It was shown that the charge compensation of the Cr³⁺-V_O dominant centers in octahedral environment is due to the remote oxygen vacancy located on the axial axis of the center. In order to provide insight into spin-phonon relaxation processes the studies of axial distortion of Cr³⁺-V_O centers have been performed as function of temperature. The analysis of the trigonal Cr³⁺ centers found in SrTiO₃ indicates the presence of the nearest-neighbor strontium vacancy. The next-nearest-neighbor exchange-coupled pairs of Cr³⁺ in SrTiO₃ has been analyzed from the angular variation of the total electron spin of S=2 resonance lines.     

Theoretical examination of optical and EPR spectra for Cu ion in K2PdCl4 crystal

In this work, two d-d transition spectra and four EPR parameters g_∥, g_⊥, A_∥, A_⊥ of K₂PdCl₄/Cu²⁺ are uniformly interpreted based on Zhao's crystal-field model. The calculation result is in good agreement with the experiment findings. The ligand spin-orbit coupling is neglected on the calculation, which is consistent with the ab initio result by Hillier et al. [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 98 (1976) 95]     

EPR parameters and local lattice structure study of V ions in CdCl2 and CsMgCl3 crystals

The local lattice structure and EPR parameters (D, g_‖, g_⊥) have been studied systematically on the basis of the complete energy matrix for a d³ configuration ion in a trigonal ligand field. By simulating the calculated optical and EPR spectra data to the experimental results, the local distortion parameters (ΔR, Δθ) are determined for V²⁺ ions in CdCl₂ and CsMgCl₃ crystals, respectively. The results show that the local lattice structure of CdCl₂:V²⁺ system exhibits a compression distortion (ΔR=−0.0868 Å) while that of CsMgCl₃:V²⁺ system exists an elongation distortion (ΔR=0.0165 Å). The different distortion may be ascribed to the fact that the radius of V²⁺ ion is smaller than that of Cd²⁺ ion or larger than that of Mg²⁺ ion. Moreover, the relationships between EPR parameter D and local structure parameters (R, θ) as well as the orbital reduction factor k and g‐factors (g_‖, g_⊥) are discussed.     

EPR and optical studies on transition metal doped LiRbB4O7 glasses

Electron paramagnetic resonance and optical investigations of copper and chromium doped LiRbB₄O₇ glasses are carried out. From the results and discussions, it is predicted that both the transition metal ions exhibit octahedral environment. In the case of Cr³⁺, the site symmetry is near octahedral, whereas in the case of Cu²⁺, it is tetragonally distorted octahedral environment. Crystal field, spin-Hamiltonian and bonding parameters are evaluated. The bonding parameters are suggesting ionic.     

Study on the local structure of (CrO6) complex in garnet crystals by optical and EPR spectrum

The local lattice structure distortions for YAG and YGG systems doped with Cr³⁺ have been investigated by the d³ configuration complete energy matrices which contain the Zeeman energy besides the electron–electron interaction, the trigonal crystal field as well as the spin–orbit coupling interaction. The local lattice structure parameters R and θ of (CrO₆)⁹⁻ complex are determined for Cr³⁺ in YAG and YGG systems, respectively. The calculated results show that the local lattice structures have expansion distortions, which almost tend to the same after distortions. Meanwhile, the EPR parameter D, g factors (g_||, g) and optical spectrum of these systems have been interpreted uniformly by quantitative calculation. It is shown that the effect of the orbit reduction factor k on g factors (g_||, g) cannot be ignored.     

EPR evidence of local lattice mode in K3H(SO4)2 and Rb3H(SO4)2 fast-proton conductors

The observation of an anomalous temperature dependence of Mn²⁺ EPR spectra linewidth and nonaxial crystal-field parameter in K₃H(SO₄)₂ and Rb₃H(SO₄)₂ allows one to suggest the presence of “local mode” predicted by Yamada (Ferroelectrics 170 (1995) 23). The activation energy for this kind of excitation was found and equals 11.3 (0.5) and 7.4 (0.3) meV for Mn²⁺ doped K₃H(SO₄)₂ and Rb₃H(SO₄)₂, respectively.     

Structural characterisation of [Cu2(bptd) (H2O) Cl4] and [Ni2(bptd)2(H2O)4] Cl4·3H2O; evidence of null intramolecular exchanges by EPR and magnetic measurements

Using the 2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole (bptd), we recently prepared [Cu₂(bptd) (H₂O) Cl₄] and [Ni₂(bptd)₂ (H₂O)₄] Cl₄, 3H₂O in which the magnetic centres are connected through one diazine+one chloro and two diazine ligand bridges, respectively. These two compounds are the first examples that show null intramolecular magnetic interactions despite M-M distances close to 3.7 Å within perfectly planar edifices:Down to , [Cu₂(bptd)Cl₄(H₂O)] is paramagnetic while, below T_t, half of the Cu²⁺ions interact, leading to residual paramagnetism of one Cu²⁺/f.u. Magnetic susceptibility measurements, EPR and pulsed EPR study indicate the original intermolecular nature of AF exchanges.[Ni₂(bptd)₂(H₂O)₄]Cl₄·3H₂O susceptibility obeys a Curie-law involving pure paramagnetism. Moreover, its EPR spectrum can be interpreted on the basis of virtual S=1 monomers. Below 70 K, Zero Field Splitting (D∼275 G) due to dipolar interactions without magnetic exchanges could be responsible for the LT spectra splitting. For both compounds, the thia role is suggested as partially responsible for the null-in-plane magnetic exchanges.     

EPR study of Ce ions in lutetium silicate scintillators Lu2Si2O7 and Lu2SiO5

Two Ce³⁺-doped scintillator crystals, LSO (Lu₂SiO₅:Ce) and LPS (Lu₂Si₂O₇:Ce), are studied by EPR spectroscopy. The analysis indicates that Ce³⁺ substitutes for Lu³⁺ ion in a C₂-symmetry site for LPS and in two C₁-symmetry sites for LSO, with a preference for the largest one, with 6+1 oxygen neighbors. Angular dependence of the EPR spectrum shows that the electronic ground state of Ce³⁺ is different in these two matrices. It is mainly composed of |M_J|=5/2 state in LPS and |M_J|=3/2 state in LSO. The temperature dependence of the linewidth shows a noticeably long spin lattice relaxation time, especially in LPS, which is the result of a stronger crystal field in LPS than in LSO.     

Defect formation and water incorporation in Y2O3

The molecular statics method is used to study the formation of defects and water incorporation in Y₂O₃. The crystal structure, the isothermal compressibility, and the formation enthalpy of Y₂O₃ calculated with the chosen interaction potentials are in good agreement with the experimental data. The formation energies of intrinsic and impurity defects are evaluated. The binding energy of protons and oxygen vacancies with an acceptor impurity at different distances is calculated. Various water incorporation reactions in the oxide are examined, including the mechanisms involving oxygen interstitial sites and oxygen vacancies produced by the acceptor doping. It is shown that the water incorporation in pure Y₂O₃ is energetically less favorable than in the acceptor doped oxide.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance and thermoluminescence study of Ag ions in Li2B4O7 crystals

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) is used to investigate the effects of ionizing radiation on Ag-doped lithium tetraborate (Li₂B₄O₇) crystals. Two similar, yet distinct, trapped-hole centers (Ag²⁺ ions substituting for Li⁺ ions) are produced by 60 kV x rays. One Ag²⁺ ion, labeled Center A, has no nearby defects and the other Ag²⁺ ion, labeled Center B, has a neighboring impurity which is most likely a Ag⁺ ion substituting for a Li⁺ ion. The production and thermal decay properties of the two Ag²⁺ ions are described and their g matrices and ¹⁰⁷Ag and ¹⁰⁹Ag hyperfine matrices are obtained from the EPR angular dependences. The principal values of the g matrices are similar for the two centers, but the hyperfine principal values differ significantly (Center B has smaller values than Center A). There are also differences in the directions of the principal axes for the two centers. Together, these results imply (1) that the unpaired spin is less localized for Center B and (2) that the ground-state positions of the neighboring oxygen ions are different for Centers A and B. This explains why the peaks of the Ag²⁺ charge-transfer photoluminescence bands associated with Centers A and B occur at different wavelengths (502 and 725 nm, respectively). An isochronal pulsed thermal anneal shows that these radiation-induced Ag²⁺ ions serve as the recombination site for the intense thermoluminescence peak observed near 152 °C.     

Effect of Bi2O3 on EPR, optical transmission and DC conductivity of vanadyl doped alkali bismuth borate glasses

Glasses with composition xBi₂O₃·(30−x)M₂O·70B₂O₃ (M=Li, Na) containing 2 mol% V₂O₅ have been prepared over the range 0≤x≤15 (x is in mol%). The electron paramagnetic resonance spectra of VO²⁺ of these glasses have been recorded in the X-band (≈9.3 GHz) at room temperature (RT≈300 K). Spin Hamiltonian parameters, g_∥, g_⊥, A_∥, A_⊥, dipolar hyperfine coupling parameter, P, and Fermi contact interaction parameter, K, have been calculated. The molecular orbital coefficients, α² and γ², have been calculated by recording the optical transmission spectra. In xBi₂O₃·(30−x)Li₂O·70B₂O₃ glasses there is decrease in the tetragonality of the V⁴⁺O₆ complex for x up to 6 mol% whereas for x≥6 mol%, tetragonality increases. In xBi₂O₃·(30−x)Na₂O·70B₂O₃ glasses there is increase in the tetragonality of the V⁴⁺O₆ complex with increasing x. The 3d_xy orbit expands with increase in Bi₂O₃:M₂O ratio. Values of the theoretical optical basicity, Λ_th, have also been reported. The DC conductivity increases with increase in temperature. The order of conductivity is 10⁻⁵ ohm⁻¹ m⁻¹ at low temperature and 10⁻³ ohm⁻¹ m⁻¹ at high temperature. The DC conductivity decreases and the activation energy increases with increase in Bi₂O₃:M₂O ratio.     

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.     

Electron paramagnetic resonance of gamma irradiated [(CH3)4N]InCl4 and [(CH3)4N]2CdCl4 single crystals

Gamma irradiated [(CH₃)₄N]InCl₄ and [(CH₃)₄N]₂CdCl₄ single crystals were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance at ambient temperature, and it has been found that both compounds indicate the existence of (CH₃)₃N⁺ radicals. The g factors were found to be isotropic, and the hyperfine constant for H atoms was measured as 2.86 mT and is isotropic for this radical in these substances. The hyperfine coupling constant of the N nucleus with the hole in (CH₃)₃N⁺ in [(CH₃)₄N]InCl₄ was found to be anisotropic with the A_zz=2.92, A_yy=1.62 and A_xx=1.40 mT. From these, it has been revealed that the C_3v-axis of (CH₃)₃N⁺ radical performs rotational or jumping reorientational motions around a fixed axis, in addition to the rotations of protons in CH₃ groups and the rotational motions of CH₃ groups around the C_3v-axis of the radical. The g, and the hyperfine coupling factors of the N nucleus were isotropic in (CH₃)₃N⁺ in [(CH₃)₄N]₂CdCl₄. This indicates the motional behaviour of the radical in this compound is as in a liquid. This isotropic behaviour of the hyperfine coupling constants was found to be same until the attainable lowest temperature of 113 K in our laboratory.     

Theoretical investigation of zero-field splitting and local structure distortion for a substitution of Fe ion in CdCl2 crystal

A theoretical method for studying the inter-relation between electron and molecule structure is proposed on the basis of the complete energy matrices of the electron-electron repulsion, the ligand-field and the spin-orbit coupling for d⁵ configuration ion in a trigonal ligand-field. As an application, the local distortion structure of (FeCl₆)^3- coordination complex for Fe³⁺ ions doped into CdCl₂ is investigated. Both the second-order zero-field splitting parameter and fourth-order zero-field splitting parameter are considered simultaneously in the structural investigation. By diagonalizing the complete energy matrices, the local structure distortion parameters ΔR=−0.24 Å, Δθ=2.137° at 26 K and ΔR=−0.203 Å, Δθ=2.515° at 225 K for Fe³⁺ ions in CdCl₂ are determined. These results elucidate a microscopic origin of various ligand-field parameters which are usually used empirically for the interpretation of electron paramagnetic resonance results. It is found that the theoretical results are in good agreement with the experimental values.     

Investigations of the g factors for the trigonal [Ti(H2O)6] clusters in frozen solution from two microscopic spin Hamiltonian methods

The spin Hamiltonian parameters (SH) (g factors g_∥ and g_⊥) for the trigonal [Ti(H₂O)₆]³⁺ clusters in the rapidly frozen solutions of Ti³⁺ are calculated from the complete diagonalization (of energy matrix) method (CDM, which is established in this paper) and the perturbation theory method (PTM). The two methods are based on the two-spin-orbit-parameter model (where both the contribution due to the spin-orbit (SO) coupling parameter of central 3dⁿ ion and that of ligand are included) rather than the one-SO-parameter model in the conventional crystal-field theory (where only the contribution due to the SO coupling parameter of 3dⁿ ion is considered). The calculated results from both methods are not only consistent with the observed values, but also close to each other. This suggests that both methods can be effective in the studies of SH parameters.     

Prediction of defect structure in lithiated tin- and titanium-doped α-Fe2O3 using atomistic simulation

The defect structure of lithiated tin- and titanium-doped α-Fe₂O₃ has been assessed using interatomic potential calculations. Of the models considered for lithiation, a model in which Li⁺ occupies an interstitial site balanced by the reduction of Fe³⁺ to Fe²⁺ on an Fe³⁺ site was found to be more favourable than the substitution of Li⁺ on an Fe³⁺ octahedral site balanced by an O²⁻ vacancy. Insertion of lithium into the interstitial site between two adjacent M⁴⁺ ions was particularly favourable. The calculated lattice parameters decrease on lithiation as has been observed experimentally.     

Van Vleck paramagnetism of the thulium garnet Tm3Al5O12

The magnetic susceptibility of the garnet-type single crystal Tm₃Al₅O₁₂ exhibits the typical Van Vleck temperature independent paramagnetism below ≈8 K. The temperature dependence of the susceptibility over the range 2.0-300 K has been analyzed on the assumption that the cubic crystal-electric-field dominates the energy level on ³H₆ (J=6) ground multiplet for Tm³⁺ ion having 12-electrons in 4f shell. The ground state of the ³H₆ is nonmagnetic with Γ₂ singlet, avoiding the Kramers doublet. The energy separation between Γ₂ and the first excited state Γ⁽²⁾₅ triplet is evaluated to be 68.0 K. The whole energy interval Δ between Γ₂ and the highest state Γ₁ in ³H₆ is estimated to be 339.5 K.     

EPR investigations of oxidation effects in (V1−xMox)2−δO3

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) investigations has been carried out on the new family of molybdenum doped vanadium sesquioxides (V_1−xMo_x)_2−δO₃. The oxidation effects were monitored from the rate of paramagnetic V⁴⁺ created when the sample is exposed to the air. The effects of the oxidation time, sample temperature, and annealing at 1000 °C under a diluted hydrogen atmosphere on the EPR signal features are analyzed. The V⁴⁺ concentration in the oxidized samples is determined and the relaxation effects driven by the conduction electrons are pointed out from the thermal behaviour of the EPR line features. EPR spectra of all the oxidized samples also reveal a small ferromagnetic contribution strongly correlated with the V⁴⁺ content.