Magnetic field dependence of the spin—spin relaxation time of ferric ions in Fe(NO3)3·9H2O and in frozen aqueous solutions

The electronic relaxation of ferric ions in Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O and in frozen aqueous solutions has been investigated by use of Mössbauer spectroscopy. The application of an external magnetic field causes a pronounced increase of the spin—spin relaxation time, an effect which is contrary to that normally found in ferric compounds. An explanation is given based on a difference in the ionic state energies of the neighbouring ions induced by the applied magnetic field.