High resolution MCD spectroscopy of transition metal ions in fluoride crystals

Measurements of the MCD spectra of Ni²⁺ in KMgF₃ and KZnF₃ have confirmed and extended previous assignments of spin-orbit structure based on similarities of vibrational patterns. The measurements also reveal the presence of a ¹ A _1g (¹ G) state which interacts strongly with the ³ T _1g ^b (³ P) state. The MCD spectra of the tetragonal crystals K₃Ni₂F₇ and K₂NiF₄ have been measured for the transitions ³ A _2g →³ T _1g ^a , ¹ E_g . The spectrum of K₃Ni₂F₇ is characterized by the appearance of electric dipole zero phonon lines, consistent with the C _4v site symmetry of the Ni²⁺ in the paramagnetic phase. An analysis of the MCD spectrum allows a positive assignment of six of the seven states (from ³ T _1g ^a and ¹ E_g ) to which transitions are allowed by symmetry in the axial spectrum. A complete tetragonal crystal-field analysis has been made which shows that the distortion is an axial compression of the fluoride octahedron. The absorption spectrum of K₂NiF₄ shows much less vibrational structure, but the MCD spectrum allows a definitive assignment of six states (from ³ T _1g ^a and ¹ E_g ) through a _2u vibrations in the usual vibronic mechanism. False origins based on e_u phonons have not been identified. The tetragonal field is larger than for K₃Ni₂F₇ and corresponds to an axial compression, in agreement with the known crystal structure.