Absorption Spectra of Cr³⁺ in Al₂O₃

Part A. Theoretical Studies of the Absorption Bands and Lines

Abstract

In the frame-work of the crystalline field theory, the excited states of Cr³⁺ in Al₂O₃ and the optical transitions to these states are studied taking into account the effect of trigonal field and spin-orbit interaction. Initial splittings and optical anisotropies of the broad band (transitions to quartet states) and the sharp lines (transitions to doublet states) are examined. For the sharp lines, the Zeeman effect is also examined and the Zeeman patterns are predicted. Comparing these theoretical results with those of the experimental ones given in Part B, the assignments of U, Y bands and R₁, R₂, B₁, B₂ lines have been established. It is shown that the g-shifts of the excited doublets observed in the Zeeman patterns can also be explained under such assignments. It is also shown that the experimental data of the optical absorption can be reasonably connected to those of the paramagnetic resonance absorption.