Absorption spectrum of Yb3+(4f13) IN[(C6H5)3PH]3 YbCl6

Abstract Optical absorption spectra taken at 300 and 77 K are reported for six-fold octahedrally coordinated Yb 3+ (4f 13 ) in [(C 6 H 5 ) 3 PH] 3 YbCl 6 . In addition to vibronic spectra we observe electronic transitions which suggest that inversion symmetry is lifted by a small distortion similar to that reported for the Nd 3+ (4f 3 ) spectrum of the corresponding salt. The vibronic as well as the electronic transition have been analyzed on the basis of six-fold octahedral symmetry. The analysis appears reasonable and consistent in comparison with other rare-earth ions that have been studied in similar cubic and octahedral environments.