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Updated: Apr 3, 2026

Experimental Methods for Spin- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy Combined with Polarization-Variable Laser
Published on: June 28, 2018
Comprehensive Spectroscopic Determination of the Crystal Field Splitting in an Erbium Single-Ion Magnet
Yvonne Rechkemmer1, Julia E Fischer1, Raphael Marx1
1Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Universität Stuttgart , Pfaffenwaldring 55, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany.
Abstract:
The electronic structure of a novel lanthanide-based single-ion magnet, {C(NH2)3}5[Er(CO3)4]·11H2O, was comprehensively studied by means of a large number of different spectroscopic techniques, including far-infrared, optical, and magnetic resonance spectroscopies. A thorough analysis, based on crystal field theory, allowed an unambiguous determination of all relevant free ion and crystal field parameters. We show that inclusion of methods sensitive to the nature of the lowest-energy states is essential to arrive at a correct description of the states that are most relevant for the static and dynamic magnetic properties. The spectroscopic investigations also allowed for a full understanding of the magnetic relaxation processes occurring in this system. Thus, the importance of spectroscopic studies for the improvement of single-molecule magnets is underlined.
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