Infrared and electronic spectra of rare earth perovskites: ortho-chromites, -manganites and -ferrites

Abstract

The electronic and ir spectra of rare-earth perovskites of the general formula LnZO₃, where Ln is the rare earth ion or yttrium and Z is Cr, Mn, or Fe, have been studied in detail. The results have been discussed in terms of crystallography, magnetic properties, covalency of Ln-O and Z-O bonds, and Goodenough's one electron energy diagrams. In all these compounds the rare earth ions do not markedly affect the electronic transitions of the transition metal ions; the 3d electrons clearly exhibit localized behavior. Both the electronic and ir spectra of the LnZO₃ perovskites are comparable to the spectra of the corresponding transition metal sesquioxides, Z₂O₃.