Characteristics of the energy bands and the spectroscopic parameters of Pr3+ ions in PrCl3 mixed methanol, iso-propanol and butanol solutions

An investigation on the absorption spectra of the praseodymium chloride (PrCl3) in methanol, iso-propanol and butanol is carried out between 190 nm and 1100 nm. We have observed and assigned six energy bands of the 4f2 electronic configuration of the Pr3+ ion in the visible to near-infra-red and one due to 4f5d configuration in the ultraviolet region. The 4f5d band has been detected properly for low concentration of PrCl3. We have also constructed a free-ion Hamiltonian and calculated the energy levels of the 4f2 configuration theoretically. Hence, the best fit free-ion parameters are deduced.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Absorption of Pr3+ in methanol, iso-propanol and butanol is analyzed.
► Energy band due to 4f5d configuration is detected in the ultraviolet region.
► Adopting a free-ion Hamiltonian, energies of the 4f2 configuration are calculated.
► The best fit free-ion parameters are also derived.