Anisotropic μ+ shift in bismuthshift in bismuth

μSR studies in the semi metal Bi have revealed pronounced anisotropies in the μ⁺ Knightshift which vary strongly with temperature. Above 10 K the anisotropy is well described by a P₂(cosθ) distribution with a change of sign around 60 K. Below 10 K we find a very unusual angular dependence in that the anisotropy is described only by terms of fourth order in the direction cosines. Such a dependence is allowed by symmetry arguments, considering that the pointgroup of the crystalline μ⁺ site is D_3d, but requires that the electrons, responsible for the μ⁺ Knight shift, are subject to strong spin orbit coupling or involve effective, field induced moments of orbital origin. The various types of anisotropies seem to be associated with the different site occupations of the μ⁺. The total Knightshift is generally regative which is to be contrasted with the huge positive Knightshift found in the other semimetal Sb /1/.