Developing a Magnetic Circular Dichroism Apparatus Equipped with Neodymium Magnet for Students to Investigate the Electronic Structures of Transition Metals and Lanthanoids

This paper describes the development of a simple magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) apparatus from a wood base and neodymium magnets and its configuration in the Faraday alignment. The applicability and effectiveness of the apparatus for MCD spectra measurements have been examined. The apparatus was used by undergraduate students to conduct MCD experiments on Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, Nd³⁺, and Eu³⁺ ions in aqueous solutions. Absorption spectra of the sample solutions were also measured. The results of the MCD and absorption spectra of d-d and f-f transition were compared. The results indicate that the apparatus can be used to teach undergraduate students.