Magnetic properties of Co2+ions in octahedral interstices of an oxide lattice

Abstract

The magnetic properties of Co²⁺ ions in octahedral environment are discussed in relation to the energy-level scheme. It appears that the three low-lying levels arising from the ⁴F(Γ₄) triplet as a consequence of spinorbit coupling are responsible for a temperature-dependent magnetic moment. The expected departure from the Curie-Weiss law is demonstrated by susceptibility measurements on mixed-crystals of CoO and MgO between 300° and 1200°k. From the experimental data the spin-orbit coupling constant for Co²⁺ in these compounds is estimated to be -136 cm^-1.