Twinned EPR spectra of Fe centers in ternary layered TlGaS2 crystal

TlGaS₂ single crystal doped by paramagnetic Fe³⁺ ions has been studied by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) technique. The fine structure of EPR spectra of paramagnetic Fe³⁺ ions was observed. The spectra reveal a nearly orthorhombic symmetry of the crystal field (CF) on the Fe³⁺ ions. Two groups each consisting of four equivalent Fe³⁺ centers were observed in the EPR spectra. The local symmetry of the crystal field on the Fe³⁺ centers and CF parameters were determined. Experimental results indicate that the Fe ions substitute Ga at the center of the GaS₄ tetrahedrons. The rhombic distortion of the sulfur ligand CF is attributed to the effect of Tl ions located in the trigonal cavities between the tetrahedral complexes. The observed twinning of the resonance lines indicates a presence of two non-equivalent positions of Tl ions that confirms their zigzag alignment in the TlGaS₂ crystal structure.