A method for estimating the local lattice distortions near a magnetic ion from ligand hyperfine parameters: Yb3+trigonal centers in SrF2 and BaF2

An empirical relationship describing the radial dependence of the nondipole part of the anisotropic constant for the ligand hyperfine interaction in alkaline-earth fluorides is proposed. This relationship is used for calculating the distances between the magnetic ion and the fluorine ions involved in its nearest environment. The results of the calculations are in good agreement with the values obtained by other methods for both cubic and tetragonal fluorine centers in these crystals. The distances from the magnetic ion to different groups of nonequivalent fluorine ions of the nearest environment in Yb³⁺ trigonal centers of SrF₂ and BaF₂ are determined. It is found that the Yb³⁺ ion is slightly displaced along the trigonal axis away from the compensating fluorine ion.