Use of Absorption Spectra to Determine Crystal Structure in f-Transition Element Compounds

Abstract
It has been determined that various similarities of some f- f absorption peaks observed in the spectra of f-transition element compounds can be used to elucidate the crystal structure of a given compound. Examples of this interpretation of spectra are presented along with some limitations of the technique. One application of this process leads to further verification of the AlCl3-type monoclinic structure of EsBr3.