Inelastic-neutron-scattering study of the Er3+ energy levels in ErBa2Cu3O7

Magnetic excitation spectra of ErBa2Cu3O7 have been measured by use of inelastic neutron scattering. Optimal experimental conditions allow the resolution of the transitions between the Er3+ ground state and all seven excited states within the 4I15/2 Russell-Saunders ground multiplet. The data are analyzed in terms of an intermediate-coupling crystal-field model, calculated using spherical-tensor techniques. Calculated spectra based on the results of this analysis are consistent with all experimental spectra, including those obtained at higher temperatures. The eigenfunctions and eigenvalues obtained from this analysis are used to calculate the magnetic properties expected of Er3+ in this crystal environment