Theoretical study of spin-singlet contributions to zero-field splitting of a 3d6 ion in a trigonal ligand field and applications to Fe2+ in FeSiF6 · 6H2O and FeCO3

Abstract

The complete energy matrix (210 × 210) for d6(d4) configuration ions in a trigonal ligand field is constructed. The energy levels and zero-field splitting parameters in ferrous fluosilicate and ferrous carbonate are studied. The contributions of spin singlets to zero-field splitting parameters in a trigonal ligand field are investigated for the first time. The calculation results indicate that the spin-singlet contribution to second-order zero-field splitting parameter D is negligible, but the contributions to fourth-order zero-field splitting parameter a − F cannot be neglected. Moreover, it is found that the stronger the trigonal ligand field, the larger are the spin-singlet contributions to the zero-field splitting parameters.