An analysis of low temperature absorption spectra of U3+ ions doped in
K2LaX5 (X = Cl, Br or I) single crystals is reported. The energy leve
ls of the U3+ ion in the single crystals were assigned and fitted to a
semiempirical Hamiltonian representing the combined atomic and crysta
l-field interactions at the C-s symmetry site. An analysis of the neph
elauxetic effect and crystal-field splittings in the series of compoun
ds is also reported. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve
d.