Magneto-optical properties of neodymium-doped LiYF4

In this paper we demonstrate the validity of a semi-empirical approach to d escribe the magneto-optical properties of lanthanide complexes. The polaris ed absorption (IR-VIS-UV), magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) and magnetic s usceptibilities of a LiYF4:Nd3+ (1.5%) single crystal were recorded and ana lysed in a temperature region of 4.2 K up to room temperature. The crystal structure is obtained by means of X-ray analysis. Starting values of the fr ee ion, crystal field and intensity parameter sets were obtained by using a n additive crystal-field model based on the coordinates of the eight F- ion s in the first coordination sphere (S-4 symmetry). After several iterations the parameter values are optimised and checked by simulations of the optic al and magneto-optical spectra and by the simulation of the magnetic suscep tibilities. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.