Zeeman and laser site selective spectroscopy of C 1 point group symmetry Sm 3+ centres in Y 2 SiO 5 : a parametrized crystal-field analysis for the 4 f 5 configuration.

Parametrized crystal-field analyses are presented for both the six and seven fold coordinated, C 1 symmetry Sm 3+ centres in Y 2 SiO 5 , 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 determined g tensors for the 6 H 5/2 Z 1 and 4 G 5/2 A 1 states. 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.