Spin-orbit coupling,spin-lattice relaxation,and spin-memory studies ofF-center-molecular-ion pairs in alkali halides

Summary The spin-orbit parameter Δ, spin-lattice relaxation timeT ₁, and spin-mixing parameter ɛ ofF _H(OH⁻) andF _H(CN⁻) centers in several alkali halides have been studied with magnetic circular dichroism at ∼2 K. A close comparison of the experimental results before and after optically induced association of theF center with the molecular ion has been made. In crystals of NaCl structure the negative spin-orbit parameter Δ changes little betweenF andF _H centers in the same host. For CsCl and CsBr two values of Δ have been derived forF _H(CN⁻) centers with axis parallel or perpendicular to the magnetic field. In all studied systems, the spin-lattice relaxation timeT ₁ is already shorter before aggregation compared toF formation. The spin-mixing parameter ɛ decreases slightly forF _H(OH⁻) compared toF centers, while it increases drastically forF _H(CN⁻) defects and reaches its maximum possible value ɛ=0.5 in cesium halides. First attempts to interpret these magneto-optical results will be presented. In honour of Prof. Fausto Fumi on the occasion of his retirement from teaching.