Electron paramagnetic resonance of Mn2+ ions in single crystals of yttrium aluminum borate YAl3(BO3)4

Single crystals of yttrium aluminum borate YAl3 (BO3)(4) doped with manganese ions are studied using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. It is shown that manganese ions introduced at low concentrations into the sample predominantly occupy yttrium ion sites in the crystal structure. The shape of the electron paramagnetic resonance spectrum unambiguously indicates that the valence of manganese ions in this case is equal to 2+. The parameters of the spin Hamiltonian of Mn2+, ions in the YAl3(BO3)(4) matrix are determined at room temperature. The magnitude and sign of the fine structure parameter D allow the conclusion that the YAl3(BO3)(4) single crystals doped with manganese ions have a strong crystal field at the yttrium ion sites and L easy-axis anisotropy.