S 1 Level of Pr3+ in Crystal Matrices and Energy-Level Parameters for the 4f2 Configuration of Pr3+ in LaF3

Abstract

The absorption spectrum of Pr3+ in LaF3, LaCl3, CaF2, Pr(Y)Cl3·6H2O, and Pr2(SO4)3·8H2O was investigated. Evidence for the S01 level in Pr3+:LaF3 at 46 986 cm−1 is presented; this level was not observed directly in absorption in any of the other matrices studied. An analysis of the 13 observed levels in Pr3+:LaF3, based in part upon a re-examination of the experimentally observed crystal-field components of certain levels, gave the following electrostatic, spin–orbit, and configuration-interaction parameters: E1 = 4559.0, E2 = 21.954, E3 = 467.75, ζ4f = 744.44, α = 15.294, β = − 669.02, γ = 1411.8, with an rms deviation= 33 cm−1.