Current Status of the Proposals for Unification of Notations and Guidelines for Data Presentation in the EMR Area: Blueprint for Future Actions

Abstract

The tremendous development of the electron magnetic resonance (EMR), i.e. EPR, ESR, and related spectroscopic techniques, and their applications in a number of fields is accompanied by a rather messy situation in the underlying theoretical framework. This is especially true concerning the EPR of transition ions in crystals, where an abundance of notations and lack of widely accepted clear definitions of the basic theoretical concepts characterize the current situation. As a consequence, proliferation of a number of terminological misconceptions and incorrect relations for the zero-field splitting (ZFS) parameters has taken place. Major problems detrimental for the future of EMR as well as the efforts aimed at alleviating these problems are reviewed. Rationales for coordinated activities in three major directions are outlined. This includes (a) unification of spin Hamiltonian notations, (b) unification of EMR nomenclature, and (c) making better use of the various categories of data generated during EMR studies. Appropriate actions are proposed in each area, including ways of achieving internationally accepted notation standards, working out a glossary of EMR terms, setting up guidelines for presentation of EMR data, and establishment of EMR-related databases. Successful implementation of the proposals put forward here requires coordination of the activities at the international level in cooperation with the whole EMR community. Possible organizational framework for such activities and their coordination is also discussed.