Magnetically Induced Circular Polarization of Emission: Application to Inorganic Complexes

Abstract

A sensitive spectrometer for the measurement of circular polarization of emission, utilizing a photoelastic modulator, is presented. This spectrometer, when augmented by a superconducting magnet and dewar assembly, provides an excellent system for studying magnetically induced circular polarization of emission (MICE). In order to exemplify both the system and the usefulness of MICE, a partial analysis of the MICE observed from Ru(4,7diphenyl- 1,10- phenanthroline)3C12 dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate (PMM) matrix in the 2 to 100 °K temperature range is reported. Also presented is a discussion of the effects of photoselection on the observed MICE for these D3 symmetry complexes. It is found that MICE is more sensitive to the detailed nature of the levels involved in emission than a combination of zero field techniques. MICE should prove to be an exceptionally useful tool for probing excited states of inorganic complexes.