Recombination luminescence of CaSO4:Tb3+ and CaSO4:Gd3+phosphors

A comparative study of the excitation of luminescence by VUV radiation as well as of thermally and photostimulated luminescence has been carried out for CaSO₄:Tb³⁺ and CaSO₄:Gd³⁺ phosphors, where Na⁺ or F⁻ ions are used for charge compensation. The distinction in hole processes for the phosphors with Na⁺ or F⁻ compensators is determined by the differing thermal stability of the holes localized at/near Tb³⁺Na⁺ and Gd³⁺Na⁺ (up to 100–160 K) or at/near Tb³⁺F⁻ V _Ca and Gd³⁺F⁻ V _Ca centers involving also a cation vacancy (up to 400–550 K). Tunnel luminescence in the pairs of localized electrons and holes nearby Tb³⁺ or Gd³⁺ has been detected. The mechanisms of electron-hole, hole-electron and tunnel recombination luminescence as well as a subsequent released energy transfer to RE³⁺ ions are considered.     

The radiative characteristics of the rovibronic states of the hydrogen molecule: IV. Relative probabilities of the r 3Π g ? , s 3Δ g ? → c 3Π u ± spontaneous transitions of the H2 molecule

A statistical analysis of the available literature data and data obtained in this work on the wave numbers of the lines that appear in triplet-triplet rovibronic transitions of the H₂ molecule was performed. This allowed us to verify and refine the controversial identification of spectral lines and find the optimum rovibronic level energy values for the c ³Π _u ^±, r ³Π _g ⁻, and s ³Δ _g ⁻ states. The ratios between the line strengths of the P, Q, and R branches of the (4dπ)r ³Π _g ⁻, (4dδ)s ³Δ _g ⁻ → (2pπ)c ³Π _u ^± band systems of the H₂ molecule were measured systematically. The calculation results obtained in the Frank-Condon approximation differed substantially (by up to two orders of magnitude) from the experimental data. The dependences of the ratios between rovibronic line strengths of the r ³Π _g ⁻ → c ³Π _u ^± and s ³Δ _g ⁻ → c ³Π _u ^± transitions on the rotational quantum number N′ of the upper level were found to correlate with each other. The deviations of adiabatic theory increase as N′ grows, which is evidence of an important role played by electronic-rotational interactions in the perturbation of transition probabilities. The experimental ratios between the probabilities of rovibronic transitions satisfactorily agree with the results of calculations within the framework of the simple nonadiabatic model taking into account electronic-rotational interaction of radiating adiabatic states in the approximation of pure precession. The dependences of transition probabilities on N′ were obtained for the first time for the first four diagonal bands of the r ³Π _g ⁻, s ³Δ _g ⁻ → c ³Π _u ^± transitions. Original Russian Text ? S.A. Astashkevich, B.P. Lavrov, A.V. Modin, I.S. Umrikhin, 2008, published in Khimicheskaya Fizika, 2008, Vol. 27, No. 2, pp. 22–38.     

Electrical properties of perovskite-type La(Cr1−xMnx)O3+δ

Perovskite-type La(Cr_1−xMn_x)O_3+δ (0.0x1.0) was synthesized using a sol–gel process. The crystal structure of La(Cr_1−xMn_x)O_3+δ changes from orthorhombic to rhombohedral at x=0.6. The Mn⁴⁺ ion content increases monotonically in the range 0.2x1.0. The magnetic measurement of La(Cr_1−xMn_x)O_3+δ indicates that a Mn³⁺ ion is a high-spin state with (d)³(dγ)¹. The variation of the average (Cr, Mn)-O distance is explained by ionic radii of the Cr³⁺, the Mn³⁺, the Mn⁴⁺ ions. Since the log σT–1/T curve is linear and the Seebeck coefficient (α) is independent of temperature, it is considered that La(Cr_1−xMn_x)O_3+δ is a p-type semiconductor and exhibits the hopping conductivity.     

Study of EPR parameters and defect structure for two tetragonal impurity centers in MgO:Cr<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and MgO:Mn<Superscript>4+</Superscript> crystals

The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) parameters (g-factors g _‖, g _⊥ and zero-field splitting D) of two tetragonal 3d³ impurity centers M_3d-V_Mg and M_3d-Li⁺ (where M_3d = Cr³⁺ or Mn⁴⁺, V_Mg is the Mg²⁺ vacancy) in M_3d-doped MgO crystals are calculated from the high-order perturbation formulas including both the crystal-field (CF) and the charge-transfer (CT) mechanisms for 3d³ ions in the tetragonal symmetry. The calculated results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental values. From the calculations, it can be found that the relative importance of the CT mechanism for EPR parameters increases with increasing valence state of the 3d³ ion. So, for the high-valence 3d ⁿ ions in crystals, a reasonable explanation of EPR parameters should take into account both CF and CT mechanisms. The defect structures (characterized by the displacement ΔR of O²⁻ in the intervening M_3d and V_Mg or Li⁺ at the Mg²⁺ site) for these tetragonal impurity centers are obtained from the calculations. The results are consistent with the expectations based on the electrostatic interactions.     

Light induced charge transfer processes in Cr doped Bi12GeO20 and Bi12SiO20 single crystals

Optical absorption and ESR spectra of Bi₁₂GeO₂₀ doped with Cr were measured before and after illumination with visible light. It was found that Cr⁴⁺ ions in tetrahedral position are responsible for light induced ESR and optical spectra. The g-factor of the center is 1.945 ± 0.002. Crystal field parameters for the Cr⁴⁺ center are D_q = 820 cm^?1 and B = 429cm^?1. The photochromic effect is explained in terms of a Cr⁵⁺?Cr⁴⁺ charge transfer process.     

Cr3+掺杂的Cd3Al2Ge3O12光谱特性及晶场参数计算

采用高温固相法合成了Cd₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺多晶材料,利用X射线衍射对其结构进行了分析,通过Cr³⁺的室温吸收光谱、室温和77K发射光谱分别对其光谱特性和晶场参数进行了分析和计算.结果表明：在450 nm的蓝光激发下,Cd₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺室温发 关键词： 3Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺')" href="#">Cd₃Al₂Ge₃O₁₂：Cr³⁺ 荧光光谱 晶场参数 可调谐激光     

Postcollision interaction upon electron excitation of 4sns1S0, 3S1 and 4snd1D2, 3DJ levels of zinc atom

The optical excitation functions (OEFs) for four series of spectral lines of the Zn atom at the transitions 4sn ₁ s ¹ S ₀ → 4s4p ¹ P ₁^∘ (n ₁ = 6–10), 4sn ₂ s ³ S ₁ → 4s4p ³ P ₂^∘ (n ₂ = 6−8), 4sn ₃ d ¹ D ₂ → 4s4p ¹ P ₁^∘ (n ₃ = 4−6), 4sn ₄ d ³ D _{1, 2, 3} → 4s4p ³ P ₂^∘ (n ₄ = 4−7) excited by a monoenergetic (0.04–0.08 eV) electron beam with energies from the excitation threshold to 18–19 eV are measured. In the energy dependences of the excitation cross sections, the effect of post-collision interaction of slow (scattered) and fast (emitted after the autoionization state decay) electrons is observed and described. This interaction leads to the capture of a slow electron into the listed discrete levels and the appearance of maxima in the excitation functions. The energies of the maxima are used to determine the energies and widths of single autoionization states or their groups by approximate formulas of the classical approach. The autoionization levels of the zinc atom responsible for the maxima observed are determined. Possible transfer of the orbital angular momentum between electrons is analyzed.     

PrS0→Cr energy transfer and ESR investigation in Pr and Cr activated SrAl12O19 quantum cutting phosphor

With the help of the Dexter's theory, the energy transfer mechanism from Pr³⁺¹S₀ to Cr³⁺ is investigated theoretically in SrAl₁₂O₁₉:Pr³⁺, Cr³⁺ quantum cutting phosphors. The electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra of Pr³⁺ and Cr³⁺-doped SrAl₁₂O₁₉ with magnetoplumbite structure have been studied. The Cr³⁺ ion is found to enter the Al4(4f) site, which is very close to the Sr(2d) site replaced by the Pr³⁺ ions in the host. The theoretical results indicate that the efficient Pr³⁺¹S₀→Cr³⁺ energy transfer can only take place in the intermediate mirror planes, in which for the nearest and next-nearest Pr³⁺-Cr³⁺ pairs, both dipole-dipole and dipole-quadrupole interactions can play their parts in the transfer. Finally, an overview is given about the research on the energy transfer from Pr³⁺¹S₀ to codopants in their co-doped materials.     

IR luminescence of thulium-activated crystals of double sodium yttrium fluoride Na0.4Y0.6F2.2:Tm3+: Self-quenching of luminescence from the 3H4 level

Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Tm³⁺ crystals with thulium contents of 0.5–20% have been grown by the Stockbarger-Bridgman method. The concentration dependences of the steady-state spectra and luminescence kinetics from the ³ H ₄ and ³ F ₄ thulium levels upon selective laser excitation of a series of Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Tm³⁺ crystals (0.5–20% Tm) are investigated. It is shown that the luminescence from the ³ H ₄ level becomes significantly quenched with an increase in the concentration due to the nonradiative energy transfer. No concentration quenching of luminescence from the ³ F ₄ level is observed. Possible schemes of self-quenching are considered for the ³ H ₄ thulium level, the self-quenching microparameters and macrorates are estimated using model quantum-mechanical calculation, and the most likely self-quenching mechanisms and schemes are found from comparison of the calculated and experimental self-quenching rates. Good agreement is obtained between the experimental and calculated kinetic curves. It is shown that, under pumping near ∼0.8 μm, self-quenching of the ³ H ₄ thulium level leads to effective occupation of the ³ F ₄ level and increases the luminescence intensity in the range of 1.7–1.9 μm. It is concluded that Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Tm³⁺ crystals are promising active media for tunable lasers in the range of 1.7–1.9 μm, with small thermal loss under laser-diode pumping near 0.8 μm. Original Russian Text ? S.é. Ivanova, A.M. Tkachuk, A.A. Mirzaeva, F. Pellé, 2009, published in Optika i Spektroskopiya, 2009, Vol. 106, No. 6, pp. 922–930.     

Influence of the reagent vibration on the stereo-dynamics of the reactions D- + H2 and H- + D2

Employing the quasi-classical trajectory method and the potential energy surface of Panda and Sathyamurhy [Panda A N and Sathyamurthy N 2004 J. Chem. Phys. 121 9343], the effect of the reagent vibration on vector correlation of the ion-molecule reactions D^- + H₂ and H^- + D₂ is studied at a collision energy of 35.7 kcal/mol. Four generalized polarization-dependent differential cross sections (2π/σ)(dσ₀₀/dω_t),(2π/σ)(dσ₂₀/dω_t),(2π/σ)(dσ₂₂/dω_t), and (2π/σ)(dσ₂₀/dω_t) are presented in the centre-of-mass reference frame, separately. At the same time, the effects on the product angular distributions P(θ_r), P(φ_r) and P(θ_r,φ_r) of the title reactions are also analysed. The calculated results show that the scattering tendencies of the product HD, the alignment and the orientation of j' sensitively depend on reagent molecule vibration.     

Paramagnetic and spin-glass properties of pyrochlore-like oxides Ln2Mn2/3Mo4/3O7 (Ln=Sm, Gd, Tb, or Y)

The magnetic properties of complex oxides Ln ₂Mn_2/3Mo_4/3O₇ (Ln=Sm, Gd, Tb, or Y) with a pyrochlore-type structure are studied in the temperature range 2–300 K. For all compounds in the paramagnetic state, the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility is described by a generalized Curie-Weiss law with a temperature-independent component of ∼10⁻⁶ cm³/g and with a Weiss constant Θ<0 and |Θ|<16 K. At low temperatures (T<10–12 K), the compounds have spin-glass properties; they exhibit magnetic and temperature hysteresis and the typical dependences of the imaginary and real parts of the dynamic magnetic susceptibility on temperature and the frequency of an ac magnetic field in a wide range of magnetization relaxation times. The data obtained suggest that d electrons are responsible for the formation of frustrated exchange interactions in the compounds and that 4f electrons in the compounds with Sm or Tb provide strong magnetic-anisotropy effects. __________ Translated from Fizika Tverdogo Tela, Vol. 46, No. 2, 2004, pp. 287–295. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2004 by Korolev, Bazuev.     

Study on the phase transitions by nuclear magnetic resonance of α-type RbAl(SO4)2·12H2O and β-type CsAl(SO4)2·12H2O single crystals

The thermodynamic properties, spin–lattice relaxation times, T₁, and spin–spin relaxation times, T₂, of the ²⁷Al, ⁸⁷Rb, and ¹³³Cs nuclei in MAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O (M=Rb and Cs) crystals were investigated, and the two crystals were found to lose H₂O with increases in temperature. From our results for T₁ and T₂, we conclude that the discontinuities near T_d in the T₁ curves of the two crystals correspond to structural changes. In both crystals, below T_d the water molecules surrounding the Al³⁺ and M⁺ nuclei form distorted octahedra, whereas above T_d the water molecules around the Al³⁺ and M⁺ nuclei form regular octahedra and the environment of the Al³⁺ and M⁺ nuclei has cubic symmetry. Further, the T₁ for the ²⁷Al and ⁸⁷Rb nuclei in RbAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O below T_d were found to increase with increasing temperature, whereas the T₁ for the ²⁷Al and ¹³³Cs nuclei in CsAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O were found to decrease. It is possible that this difference is due to the different characteristics of α- and β-type crystals.     

Optical spectrum, local lattice structure and EPR g factors for Cr impurity ions in MgTiO3 and LiTaO3

On the basis of the 120×120 complete energy matrices for a d³ configuration ion in a trigonal ligand field, for Cr³⁺ ions doped in MgTiO₃ and LiTaO₃, the local structures and EPR g factors of the octahedral (CrO₆)⁹⁻ clusters have been studied, respectively. By simulating the calculated optical spectra and the EPR spectra data to the experimental results, local structure parameters are obtained. The calculated results show that although the local lattice structures around the M (M=Mg²⁺, Ta⁵⁺) ions are obviously different, after Cr³⁺ replacing the M, the local lattice structures around the Cr³⁺ ions are quite similar and close to those of the Cr₂O₃. This may be ascribed to the fact that the octahedral Cr³⁺ center in MgTiO₃:Cr³⁺ and LiTaO₃:Cr³⁺ systems and that in Cr₂O₃ exhibit similar octahedral (CrO₆)⁹⁻ clusters. Moreover, the corresponding theoretical values of the optical spectra have been reported. It is also found that the orbital reduction factor k is very important to understand the EPR g factors for Cr³⁺ ions doped in MgTiO₃ and LiTaO₃.     

Nature of optical properties of GdFe3(BO3)4 and GdFe2.1Ga0.9(BO3)4 crystals and other 3d5 antiferromagnets

Influence of the partial substitution of paramagnetic Fe³⁺ ions by diamagnetic Ga³⁺ ions in the trigonal crystal GdFe₃ (BO₃)₄ on its optical and magnetic properties is studied and discussed in connection with problems common for all antiferromagnets containing 3d ⁵ ions. Polarized optical absorption spectra and linear birefringence of GdFe₃ (BO₃)₄ and GdFe_2.1Ga_0.9 (BO₃)₄ single crystals have been measured in the temperature range 85–293 K. Specific heat temperature dependence (2–300 K) and structure of GdFe_2.1Ga_0.9 (BO₃)₄ crystal have been also studied. As a result of substitution of 30% Fe to Ga the Neel temperature diminishes from 38 till 16 K, the strong absorption band edge shifts on 860 cm^-1 (0.11 eV) to higher energy and the d-d transitions intensity decreases substantially larger than the Fe concentration does. Strong absorption band edge is shown to be due to Mott-Hubbard transitions. Correlation between position of the strong absorption band edge and the Neel temperature of antiferromagnets has been revealed. Properties of the doubly forbidden d-d transitions in the studied crystals and in other antiferromagnets are explained within the framework of the model of the exchange-vibronic pair absorption, which is theoretically analyzed in detail. The model permitted us to determine the connection between parameters of d-d absorption bands (intensity, width and their temperature dependences), on the one hand, and the exchange, spin-orbit and electron-lattice interactions, on the other hand.     

Synthesis of Cr2O3/TNTs nanocomposite and its photocatalytic hydrogen generation under visible light irradiation

A novel Cr₂O₃/TNTs nanocomposite was prepared by loaded suitable amount of amorphous Cr₂O₃ on titanate nanotubes (TNTs) via hydrothermal reaction and impregnation process. XRD, SEM and TEM results demonstrated that the amorphous Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed on the surface of TNTs. The diffuse reflectance UV–visible absorption spectra exhibited that the spectral response of TNTs was extended to visible light region by coupled with Cr₂O₃. The 2.5Cr₂O₃/TNTs nanocomposite showed the highest activity of hydrogen generation by photocatalytic water-splitting under visible light irradiation (λ > 400 nm). The high activity of H₂ evolution for Cr₂O₃/TNTs nanocomposites was associated with the donor level in the forbidden band of TNTs semiconductor provided by dopant Cr³⁺ and a probably photocatalytic mechanism was proposed.     

Crystal field analysis of energy level structure of the Cr2O3 antiferromagnet

A detailed analysis of the energy level structure of the six-fold coordinated Cr³⁺ ion in the chromium oxide Cr₂O₃ is performed using the exchange charge model of the crystal field theory. Parameters of the crystal field acting on the Cr³⁺ optical electrons are calculated from the crystal structure data for the [CrO₆]⁹⁻ impurity center. The energy levels obtained are compared with the experimental absorption spectra for the considered crystal; a good agreement with experimental data is demonstrated. One possible explanation for the ultraviolet p₁ absorption band is proposed based on the results of crystal field calculations.     

EPR of Fe3+ ion and symmetry of [AIF5·H2O]2? complex ion in (NH4)2AIF5·H2O single crystals

We used the spin-Hamiltonian method for the analysis of the electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectrum of Fe³⁺ as a probe ion in (NH₄)₂AlF₅·H₂O single crystalline basic material. The theoretical expressions for the magnetic field (at which the fine structure transition lines appear) versus the angle between the magnetic field and the axis of symmetry of the magnetic complex are also given. These values were calculated by applying the perturbation theory to the second-order terms. From the experimental results (at 300 K and 9.21 GHz), the spin-Hamiltonian parameters were deduced:D=(668±10)·10⁻⁴ T,E=(−56±10)·10⁻⁴ T,a=(−54±10)·10⁻⁴ T,F=(30±10)·10⁻⁴ T. An isotropic superhyperfine structure was evidenced for the five fluorine ions. The obtained EPR data were used to determine the local symmetry of the Al³⁺ ion. A good agreement with X-ray diffraction measurements was found.     

Low-temperature investigation of electronic excitations in wide-gap materials doped with RE3+ or Cr3+ ions

The processes of photon multiplication in insulators have been considered. The luminescence of Tb³⁺ ions (⁵ D ₃ → ⁷ F _J , ⁵ D ₄ → ⁷ F _J transitions) upon intracenter excitation, the optical excitation of oxyanions, or the formation of separated electrons and holes has been studied for CaSO₄ doped with Tb³⁺ and Na⁺ ions at 6–9 K. An increase in Tb³⁺ concentration from 0.2 to 4 at % and transition from single Tb³⁺-Na⁺ states to centers that contain two or three terbium ions leads to the redistribution of the luminescence intensities in favor of the ⁵ D ₄ → ⁷ F _J transitions and increase in their efficiency due to the possibility of the cooperative ⁵ D ₃ → ⁵ D ₄ and ⁷ F ₆ → ⁷ F _J transitions and the 4f ⁷5d ¹ → ⁵ D ₃ and ⁷ F ₆ → ⁵ D ₄ transitions in the two- and three-terbium centers. Based on the example of MgO single crystals with highly mobile excitons, holes, and electrons, the migration of free excitons and holes toward Cr³⁺ ions in the crystal bulk and their exit from the bulk to the surface have been revealed at 9 K. Surface losses limit the luminescence quantum yield of MgO:Cr³⁺, CaSO₄:Tb³⁺, and many other materials.     

Magnetoresistance and magnetic ordering in praseodymium and neodymium hexaborides

The magnetoresistance Δρ/ρ of single-crystal samples of praseodymium and neodymium hexaborides (PrB₆ and NdB₆) has been measured at temperatures ranging from 2 to 20 K in a magnetic field of up to 80 kOe. The results obtained have revealed a crossover of the regime from a small negative magnetoresistance in the paramagnetic state to a large positive magnetoresistive effect in magnetically ordered phases of the PrB₆ and NdB₆ compounds. An analysis of the dependences Δρ(H)/ρ has made it possible to separate three contributions to the magnetoresistance for the compounds under investigation. In addition to the main negative contribution, which is quadratic in the magnetic field (−Δρ/ρ ∝ H ²), a linear positive contribution (Δρ/ρ ∝ H) and a nonlinear ferromagnetic contribution have been found. Upon transition to a magnetically ordered state, the linear positive component in the magnetoresistance of the PrB₆ and NdB₆ compounds becomes dominant, whereas the quadratic contribution to the negative magnetoresistance is completely suppressed in the commensurate magnetic phase of these compounds. The presence of several components in the magnetoresistance has been explained by assuming that, in the antiferromagnetic phases of PrB₆ and NdB₆, ferromagnetic nanoregions (ferrons) are formed in the 5d band in the vicinity of the rareearth ions. The origin of the quadratic contribution to the negative magnetoresistance is interpreted in terms of the Yosida model, which takes into account scattering of conduction electrons by localized magnetic moments of rare-earth ions. Within the approach used, the local magnetic susceptibility χ_loc has been estimated. It has been demonstrated that, in the temperature range T _N < T < 20 K, the behavior of the local magnetic susceptibility χ_loc for the compounds under investigation can be described with good accuracy by the Curie-Weiss dependence χ_loc ∝ (T − Θ _p )⁻¹.