Zeeman and laser site selective spectroscopy of C₁point group symmetry Sm³⁺centres in Y₂SiO₅: a parametrized crystal-field analysis for the 4 f⁵configuration

Parametrized crystal-field analyses are presented for both the six and seven fold coordinated, C₁symmetry Sm³⁺centres in Y₂SiO₅, based on extensive spectroscopic data spanning the infrared to optical regions. Laser site-selective excitation and fluorescence spectroscopy as well as Zeeman absorption spectroscopy performed along multiple crystallographic directions has been utilized, in addition to previously determinedgtensors for the⁶H_5/2Z₁and⁴G_5/2A₁states. The resultant analyses give good approximation to the experimental energy levels and magnetic splittings, yielding crystal-field parameters consistent with the few other lanthanide ions for which such analyses are available.