Distribution of Cobalt Co²⁺ Ions in Single Crystals of Spinel Li_0.5Ga_2.5O₄

The distribution of Co²⁺ ions over sublattices and structurally nonequivalent positions in the unit cell of the crystal lattice of a single crystal of lithium gallium spinel Li_0.5Ga_2.5O₄ is shown. This distribution determines the properties of both mono- and nanocrystalline substances. The distribution is obtained by a special technology and is manifested in the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra. The distribution of Co²⁺ ions depends on the structural and magnetic nonequivalence. The structural and magnetic nonequivalence causes a multiminimum behavior of the crystal field potential in the unit cells of single crystals at the locations of Co²⁺ ions. The Co²⁺ ions are found in complexes with tetrahedral and octahedral oxygen ions. Three types of EPR spectra of Co²⁺ ions have been found and investigated. The \({\text{Co}}_{{{\text{tetr}}}}^{{2 + }}\) spectrum is attributed to the Co²⁺ ion, which replaces the Ga³⁺ ion located in a tetrahedral oxygen environment. The spectrum of the \({\text{Co}}_{{{\text{oct}}}}^{{2 + }}\) ion located in the crystal field with axial symmetry belongs to the Co²⁺ ion replacing the Li⁺ ion located in an octahedral oxygen environment. The spectrum of the \({\text{Co}}_{{{\text{oct}}}}^{{2 + }}\) ion located in a low symmetry crystal field belongs to the Co²⁺ ion replacing the Ga³⁺ ion located in an octahedral oxygen environment. The nearest cationic environment of the ion creates rhombic distortions due to the different valence numbers of Li⁺ and Ga³⁺. The results of studying the angular dependences of the spectra show the presence of four and twelve magnetically nonequivalent positions in the unit cells.