Preparation of Ca(1−x)EuxGa2S4 crystals and their photoluminescence, absorption and excitation spectra

The single crystal of CaGa₂S₄:Eu is expected as a useful laser material with a high quantum efficiency of light emission. However, as far as our knowledge is concerned, the systematic study of the mixed compounds of Ca_(1−x)Eu_xGa₂S₄ as a function of x has not been reported up to now. Here, we have first constructed the phase diagram of the CaGa₂S₄ and EuGa₂S₄ pseudo binary system, and show that it forms the solid solution. Then we have grown single crystals of these compounds. The maximum photoluminescence efficiency is achieved at x=0.25. From the three peak energies observed in the photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and absorption spectra, the 5d excited states are suggested to consist of three levels arising from the multiplets of Eu²⁺ ions.     

IR and Raman investigation on the structure of (100-x)B2O3-x[0.5 BaO-0.5 ZnO] glasses

Glasses with molar composition of (100-x)B₂O₃-x[0.5 BaO-0.5 ZnO], x=40, 50, 60, 70 were prepared from the melts of ZnO, BaCO₃ and H₃BO₃ mixture. The structure and thermal behavior were characterized by IR and Raman spectroscopy, DSC and Dilatometer. The investigation shows that the transition of the structural unit [BO₄] (B^IV) to [BO₃] (B^III) happens when BaO and ZnO content x increases in the borate glass, resulting in fewer B^III-O-B^IV bonds and more B^III-O-B^III bonds. At the same time, the diborate groups, which are found to be the predominant structural group of the glass with high B₂O₃ content, gradually changes into ring-type metaborate, pyro- and orthoborate groups. With increasing ZnO and BaO content x, the glass transition temperature (T_g) and the softening point (T_f) decreases, while linear expansion coefficient (α) increases, that comes from the weakening of the glass network.     

High pressure X-ray diffraction study of CdAl2Se4 and Raman study of AAl2Se4 (A=Hg, Zn) and CdAl2X4 (X=Se, S)

We report the results of an X-ray diffraction study of CdAl₂Se₄ and of Raman studies of HgAl₂Se₄ and ZnAl₂Se₄ at room temperature, and of CdAl₂S₄ and CdAl₂Se₄ at 80 K at high pressure. The ambient pressure phase of CdAl₂Se₄ is stable up to a pressure of 9.1 GPa above which a phase transition to a disordered rock salt phase is observed. A fit of the volume pressure data to a Birch-Murnaghan type equation of state yields a bulk modulus of 52.1 GPa. The relative volume change at the phase transition at ∼9 GPa is about 10%. The analysis of the Raman data of HgAl₂Se₄ and ZnAl₂Se₄ reveals a general trend observed for different defect chalcopyrite materials. The line widths of the Raman peaks change at intermediate pressures between 4 and 6 GPa as an indication of the pressure induced two stage order-disorder transition observed in these materials. In addition, we include results of a low temperature Raman study of CdAl₂S₄ and CdAl₂Se₄, which shows a very weak temperature dependence of the Raman-active phonon modes.     

Optical phonon modes and structure of ZnGa2Se4 and ZnGa2S4

We present the infrared and Raman study of the optical phonon modes of the defective compounds ZnGa₂Se₄ and ZnGa₂S₄. Most of the compounds have been found to crystallize in the thiogallate structure (defect chalcopyrite) with space group where all cations and vacancies are ordered. For some Zinc compounds a partially disordered cationic sublattice with various degrees of cation and vacancy statistical distribution, which lead to the higher symmetry (defect stannite), has been reported. For ZnGa₂Se₄ we have found three modes of A symmetry, showing Raman activity only. In addition, we have observed each five modes of B and E symmetry, showing infrared as well as Raman activity. The number of modes and their symmetry assignment, based on polarized measurements, clearly indicate space group for the investigated crystals of ZnGa₂Se₄.Regarding ZnGa₂S₄ we have found three modes exclusively showing Raman activity (2A⊕1B₁), and only eight modes showing infrared as well as Raman activity (3B₂⊕5E). The assignment of the modes has been derived by analyzing the spectral positions of the vibrational modes in comparison to a number of compounds. From the number and symmetry assignment of the optical phonon modes we confirm that ZnGa₂S₄ most likely crystallizes in space group .     

Study of molybdenum coordination state and crystallization behavior in MoO3-La2O3-B2O3 glasses by Raman spectroscopy

The ternary MoO₃-La₂O₃-B₂O₃ glasses containing a large amount of MoO₃ (10-50 mol%) are prepared, and their structure and crystallization behavior are examined from the Raman scattering spectrum measurements and X-ray diffraction analyses. It is found that the glass transition and crystallization temperatures and the thermal stability against crystallization decrease with increasing MoO₃ content. It is suggested that the main coordination state of Mo⁶⁺ ions in the glasses is isolated (MoO₄)²⁻ tetrahedral units giving strong Raman bands at 830-860 and 930 cm⁻¹. It is found that the crystalline phases in the crystallized glasses are mainly LaMoBO₆ and LaB₃O₆, and the main crystallization mechanism in MoO₃-La₂O₃-B₂O₃ glasses is surface crystallization. LaMoBO₆ crystals are found to give strong Raman bands at 810-830 and ∼910 cm⁻¹.     

Optical gain due to the Eu transition in the alloy of Ca1-xEuxGa2S4

Room temperature photoluminescence quantum efficiency of the alloy of Ca_1−xEu_xGa₂S₄ was measured as a function of x, and was found to be nearly unity under excitation at peak wavelength of excitation spectrum (510 nm) in the x range of 0.01≤x≤0.2. At larger x values, it tends to decrease, but still as high as 30% for stoichiometric compound EuGa₂S₄. Taking these backgrounds into account, pump-probe experiments were done with Ca_1−xEu_xGa₂S₄ for searching optical gain at x=0.2. The optical gain of nearly 30 cm⁻¹ was confirmed to exist, though the pumping induced transient absorption which seems to limit the higher gain was found.     

Structure, phase transitions and molecular dynamics in 4-methylpyridinium tetrachloroantimonate(III), [4-CH3C5H4NH][SbCl4]

Crystal structure of the 4-methylpyridinium tetrachloroantimonate(III), [4-CH₃C₅H₄NH][SbCl₄], has been determined at 240 K by X-ray diffraction as monoclinic, space group, P2₁/n, Z=8. Differential scanning calorimetry and dilatometric studies indicate the presence of two reversible phase transitions of first order type, at 335/339 and 233/289 K (cooling/heating) with ΔS=0.68 and 2.2 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, respectively. Crystal dynamics is discussed on the basis of the temperature dependence of the ¹H NMR spin-lattice relaxation time T₁ and infrared spectroscopic studies. The low temperature phase transition at 233 K of an order-disorder type is interpreted in terms of a change in the motional state of the 4-methylpyridinium cations. The phase transition at 335 K, probably of a displacive type, is characterised by a complex mechanism involving the dynamics of both the cationic and anionic sublattice. The ¹H NMR studies show that the low temperature phase III is characterised only by the dynamics of the CH₃ groups.     

Mössbauer spectroscopic study of the thermal spin crossover in [Fe(II)(isoxazole)6](ClO4)2

The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy of mononuclear [Fe(II)(isoxazole)₆](ClO₄)₂ has been studied to reveal the thermal spin crossover of Fe(II) between low-spin (S=0) and high-spin (S=2) states. Temperature-dependent spin transition curves have been constructed with the least-square fitted data obtained from the Mössbauer spectra measured at various temperatures between 84 and 270 K during a cooling and heating cycle. This compound exhibits an unusual temperature-dependent spin transition behaviour with T_C(↓)=223 and T_C(↑)=213 K occurring in the reverse order in comparison to those observed in SQUID observation and many other spin transition compounds. The compound has three high-spin Fe(II) sites at the highest temperature of study of which two undergo spin transitions. The compound seems to undergo a structural phase transition around the spin transition temperature, which plays a significant role in the spin crossover behaviour as well as the magnetic properties of the compound at temperatures below T_C. The present study reveals an increase in high-spin fraction upon heating in the temperature range below T_C, and an explanation is provided.     

Structural, vibrational and dielectric properties of new potassium hydrogen sulfate arsenate: K4(SO4)(HSO4)2(H3AsO4)

A new compound, K₄(SO₄)(HSO₄)₂(H₃AsO₄) was synthesized from water solution of KHSO₄/K₃H(SO₄)₂/H₃AsO₄. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P1¯ and cell parameters: a=8.9076(2) Å, b=10.1258(2) Å, c=10.6785(3) Å; α=72.5250(14)°, β=66.3990(13)°, γ=65.5159(13)°, V=792.74(3) Å³, Z=2 and ρ_cal=2.466 g cm⁻³. The refinement of 3760 observed reflections (I>2σ(I)) leads to R₁=0.0394 and wR₂=0.0755. The structure is characterized by SO₄²⁻, HSO₄⁻ and H₃AsO₄ tetrahedra connected by hydrogen bridge to form two types of dimer (H(16)S(3)O₄⁻?S(1)O₄²⁻ and H(12)S(2)O₄⁻?H₃AsO₄). These dimers are interconnected along the [1¯ 1 0] direction by the hydrogen bonds O(3)-H(3)?O(6). They are also linked by the hydrogen bridge assured by the hydrogen atoms H(2), H(3) and H(4) of the H₃AsO₄ group to build the chain S(1)O₄?H₃AsO₄ which are parallel to the “a” direction. The potassium cations are coordinated by eight oxygen atoms with K-O distance ranging from 2.678(2) to 3.354(2) Å.Crystals of K₄(SO₄)(HSO₄)₂(H₃AsO₄) undergo one endothermic peak at 436 K. This transition detected by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is also analyzed by dielectric and conductivity measurements using the impedance spectroscopy techniques. The obtained results show that this transition is protonic by nature.     

Photoluminescence spectra of rare earth doped CaGa2S4 single crystals

Six kind CaGa₂S₄ single crystals doped with different rare earth (RE) elements are grown by the horizontal Bridgman method, and their photoluminescence (PL) spectra are measured in the temperature range from 10 to 300 K. The PL spectra of Ce or Eu doped crystals have broad line shapes due to the phonon assisted 4f-5d transitions. On the other hand, those of Pr³⁺, Tb³⁺, Er³⁺ or Tm³⁺ doped samples show narrow ones owing to the 4f-4f transitions. The assignments of the electronic levels are made in reference to the reported data of RE 4f multiplets observed in same materials.     

Morphology, structure and photocatalytic performance of ZnIn2S4 synthesized via a solvothermal/hydrothermal route in different solvents

Hexagonal ZnIn₂S₄ photocatalysts with different morphology and crystallinity (micro-structures) were prepared in aqueous-, methanol- and ethylene glycol-mediated conditions via a solvothermal/hydrothermal method. The aqueous- and methanol-mediated ZnIn₂S₄ presented to be Flowering-Cherry-like microsphere, while the ethylene glycol-mediated ZnIn₂S₄ presented to be micro-cluster. In comparison with two other products, aqueous-mediated ZnIn₂S₄ possessed the best crystallinity (micro-structure), which resulted in the highest photocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution under visible-light irradiation. Additionally, aqueous-mediated ZnIn₂S₄ was found to be more stable than the other two ZnIn₂S₄ photocatalysts while undergoing the photocatalytic process. During the photocatalytic reaction, the average rates for hydrogen production over aqueous-, methanol- and ethylene glycol-mediated ZnIn₂S₄ were determined to be 27.3, 12.4 and 9.1 μmol h^-1, respectively, in the present photocatalytic systems.     

Low-temperature vibrational properties of KGd(WO4)2: (Er, Yb) single crystals studied by Raman spectroscopy

Temperature-dependent polarized Raman spectra of KGd(WO₄)₂: (Er, Yb) single crystals have been analyzed over the 77-292 K temperature range. The A_g and B_g spectra obtained are discussed in terms of factor group analysis. The spectra have been found to reveal the bands related to internal and external vibrations of WO₄²⁻, WOW and WOOW molecular groups. Strong depolarization of the majority of the Raman bands has been observed in the whole temperature range. Some anomalies in the spectral parameters of selected Raman bands below 175 K have been discussed in terms of the local distortion of WO₄²⁻ ions in KGd(WO₄)₂: (Er, Yb) crystals.     

Mechanism of electron beam poled SHG in 0.95GeS2·0.05In2S3 chalcogenide glasses

Utilizing the Maker fringe method, SHG was observed in the 0.95GeS₂·0.05In₂S₃ chalcogenide glass irradiated by the electron beam and the intensity of SH increases with the enhancement of beam current from 15 to 25 nA. According to Raman spectra of the as-prepared and the irradiated one, no distinct micro-structural transformation was found. In this work, the built-in charge model was founded to interpret the poling mechanism of electron beam irradiation, the emission of the secondary electrons and Auger electrons results in the formation of positive region and the absorbed electrons form negative region. The positive region was situated near the poling surface, and the negative region was much deeper than the positive region. Between the two opposite charged regions, a strong space-charge electrostatic field, E_dc, is created, which leads to the nonzero χ⁽²⁾ in the 0.95GeS₂·0.05In₂S₃ glass. The emission of backscattered electrons does no contribution to the formation of E_dc.     

Preparation and characterization of ZrO2:Sm amorphous thin films by solid state photochemical deposition method

Thin films of ZrO₂ loaded with 10, 30 and 50 mol% Sm were prepared by a photochemical method using thin films of metal acetylacetonate complexes as precursors. The photolysis of these films induces the fragmentation of the acetylacetonate ligand and the partial reduction of metal ion together with volatile organic compounds. When the metallic complex is exposed to air, the product of the reaction is metal oxide. The photoreactivity of these films was monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy, followed by a post-annealing treatment process. The obtained films were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy.Photoluminescense studies of the films employed 400 nm radiation for excitation of the Sm ions present. The emission spectra showed signals arising from the ⁴G_5/2→⁶H_J (J=3/2, 7/2, 9/2) transitions, where the ⁴G_5/2→⁶H_3/2 transition has the highest intensity. The concentration dependence of the PL intensity was also studied. A maximum PL intensity was observed with 10 mol% Sm content but then diminished with higher Sm concentrations.     

Role of the TiO6 octahedra on the ferroelectric and piezoelectric behaviour of the poled PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-xPbTiO3 (PMN-PT) single crystal and textured ceramic

Field cooling (FC) poled/unpoled PMN-29%PT single crystal and room temperature (RT) poled/unpoled PMN-34.5%PT textured ceramic were investigated between ∼0 and 300 °C by thermal expansion, dielectric and Raman spectroscopy. New phase transitions are evidenced at 40, 91 and 180 °C in the case of FC PMN-29%PT as well as at 70 and 200 °C for RT PMN-34.5%PT and their order is discussed. The physical properties of the textured ceramics are rather similar to the ones observed for the single crystals that make them low-cost alternative for a wide range of applications. However, the temperatures and character of the phase transitions strongly depend on the kind of the poling conditions. Temperature dependences of the Raman line parameters show that the NbO₆ octahedra remain stable during temperature increase, while TiO₆ ones evolve quasi-continuously. The step transitions of the Pb²⁺ ion sublattice are evidenced. This suggests that the TiO₆ and Pb²⁺ sublattices are especially coupled. The role of the TiO₆ clusters on the structural phase transitions and dielectric properties of the PbMg_1/3Nb_2/3O₃-xPbTiO₃ (PMN-PT) system is discussed. The presence of the Raman modes above the maximum dielectric permittivity reveals that the local symmetry is lower than the cubic one (Pm3m). The decrease of the Raman line intensities vs. temperature indicates precisely the continuous evolution of the local symmetry towards the cubic one. The temperature evolution of the Rayleigh wing parameters appears sensitive to the phase transitions’ presence.     

Neodymium luminescence in chalcogenides of europium-gallium: EuGaS4 and EuGa2Se4

Photoluminescence of chalcogenides of europium-gallium, EuGa₂S₄ and EuGa₂Se₄, doped with neodymium is investigated. The positions of Stark levels are determined from the spectra. The symmetry of luminescence centres is shown to be lower than cubic and the existence of nonequivalent centers is established. At 77 K the decay time of luminescence from the excited levels of Nd³⁺ depends on the spin of the states. That indicates a slow relaxation rate in the crystals under investigation. It is probable that these crystals can be used as effective luminophores.     

Intense green-emitting Sr2LiSiO4F:Eu2+ phosphor for n-UV white LEDs

Eu²⁺-activated Sr₂LiSiO₄F phosphors were synthesized at 900°C by solid-state reaction in reducing atmosphere, and their photoluminescence (PL) properties were systematically investigated by diffuse reflection spectra, PL excitation and emission spectra, and by the fluorescence decay curve. Sr₂LiSiO₄F:Eu²⁺ emits intense green light at 520 nm originating from the 5d¹4f⁶−4f⁷ transition of Eu²⁺ under 365 nm n-UV excitation. The PL excitation spectrum matches the emission from n-UV chips. These materials could be promising green phosphors for use in generating white light in phosphor-converted white light-emitting-diodes (LEDs).     

Detailed infrared spectroscopic study of thermal transitions in new hybrid [(CH3)2CHNH3]4Cd3Cl10 crystal

Phase transitions of tetra(isopropylammonium)decachlorotricadmate(II) [(CH₃)₂CHNH₃]₄Cd₃Cl₁₀ crystal have been studied by infrared, far infrared and Raman measurements in wide temperature range, between 11 K and 388 K. The temperature changes of wavenumber, center of gravity, width and intensity of the bands were analyzed to clarify cationic and anionic contributions to the phase transitions mechanism. The results of investigation showed earlier by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal expansion and dielectric measurements clearly confirmed the sequence of phase transitions at T₁=353 K, T₂=294 K and T₃=260 K. The current results derived from DSC and infrared measurements revealed additional phase transition at T₄=120 K.     

High-pressure Raman spectroscopic studies on orthophosphates Ba3(PO4)2 and Sr3(PO4)2

By using diamond anvil cell (DAC), high-pressure Raman spectroscopic studies of orthophosphates Ba₃(PO₄)₂ and Sr₃(PO₄)₂ were carried out up to 30.7 and 30.1 GPa, respectively. No pressure-induced phase transition was found in the studies. A methanol:ethanol:water (16:3:1) mixture was used as pressure medium in DAC, which is expected to exhibit nearly hydrostatic behavior up to about 14.4 GPa at room temperature. The behaviors of the phosphate modes in Ba₃(PO₄)₂ and Sr₃(PO₄)₂ below 14.4 GPa were quantitatively analyzed. The Raman shift of all modes increased linearly and continuously with pressure in Ba₃(PO₄)₂ and Sr₃(PO₄)₂. The pressure coefficients of the phosphate modes in Ba₃(PO₄)₂ range from 2.8179 to 3.4186 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₃, 2.9609 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₁, from 0.9855 to 1.8085 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₄, and 1.4330 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₂, and the pressure coefficients of the phosphate modes in Sr₃(PO₄)₂ range from 3.4247 to 4.3765 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₃, 3.7808 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₁, from 1.1005 to 1.9244 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₄, and 1.5647 cm⁻¹ GPa⁻¹ for ν₂.