Electron Paramagnetic Resonance of Pu3+ in Cubic Symmetry Sites in CaF2, SrF2, and BaF2

Abstract

The $g$ values of the ground ${\Gamma }_7$ state of Pu³⁺ in cubic symmetry sites in CaF₂, SrF₂, and BaF₂ are 1.297 ± 0.001, 1.250 ± 0.002, and 1.187 ± 0 004, respectively, as measured at $\text{T\hspace{0.17em}=\hspace{0.17em}1.2°}\mathrm{K}$ by EPR techniques. By fitting the $g$ values, estimates of the crystalline‐field parameters are derived. It is shown that crystalline‐field effects for Pu³⁺ in the alkaline‐earth fluorides are the same order of magnitude as in the lanthanide series.