We describe early and recent advances in the fascinating field of combined magnetic and optical properties of inorganic coordination compounds and in particular of 3d-4f single molecule magnets. We cover various applied techniques which allow for the correlation of results obtained in the frequency and time domain in order to highlight the specific properties of these compounds and the future challenges towards multidimensional spectroscopic tools. An important point is to understand the details of the interplay of magnetic and optical properties through performing time-resolved studies in the presence of external fields especially magnetic ones. This will enable further exploration of this fundamental interactions i.e. the two components of electromagnetic radiation influencing optical properties.
Keywords: 3d-4f Single Molecule Magnets; Applied Magnetic Fields; Photoexcitation; Time and Frequency Domain Spectroscopy; Ultrafast Processes.
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