Influence of the low local symmetry of Er3+ ions on magnetic circular dichroism and absorption spectra of f-f transitions in ErFe3(BO3)4 single crystal

Highlights: • Absorption and magnetic circular dichroism spectra of ErFe₃(BO₃)₄. • Intensities of f-f transitions in π and σ polarizations. • The Zeeman splitting of f-f transitions. • Local decrease of symmetry in one of the excited states. • Difference of vibrations energies in the ground and excited states. Linearly polarized absorption spectra and magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra of ErFe₃(BO₃)₄ single crystal were measured in the range of 9000–23000 cm⁻¹ at 90 K. The absorption spectra of f-f transitions were decomposed into the Lorentz shape components and intensities of the components were found. MCD spectra permitted us to measure the Zeeman splitting of some transitions and so to determine changes of the Landé factor along the C₃ axis of the crystal during these transitions. Optical and magneto-optical properties of f-f transitions in the ErFe₃(BO₃)₄ crystal were compared with those in the ErAl₃(BO₃)₄ crystal. Substantial difference of the properties connected with the difference of the Er³⁺ ions local symmetry in two crystals was revealed. Large splitting of one of the f-f transitions without magnetic field, which is not possible for the Kramers doublets, was observed. It was explained by appearance of two absorbing centers due to the local decrease of symmetry in the excited state. Appreciable difference of the local vibrations energy in some excited states was revealed.