Optical spectra and energy levels of the Cr³⁺ ions in MWO₄ (M=Mg, Zn, Cd) and MgMoO₄ crystals

Single crystals of MWO₄ (M=Mg, Zn, Cd) and MgMoO₄ doped with Cr³⁺ have been grown by the flux growth method. Their optical spectra have been systematically measured and assigned on the basis of the classical Ligand Field Theory. The exchange charge model of the crystal field has then been applied to calculate the crystal field parameters (CFPs) and the energy levels of the Cr³⁺ ion in all studied crystals. These are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data. Systematic trends in the CFPs values, crystal field splittings and Racah parameters have been evidenced and their relation with sizes and symmetry properties of the host cavities occupied by Cr³⁺ has been pointed out.