Visible and infrared luminescence properties of Er-doped Y2Ti2O7 nanocrystals

Er³⁺-doped Y₂Ti₂O₇ nanocrystals were fabricated by the sol-gel method. While the annealing temperature exceeds 757 °C, amorphous pyrochlore phase Er_xY_2−xTi₂O₇ transfers to well-crystallized nanocrystals, and the average crystal size increases from ∼70 to ∼180 nm under 800-1000 °C/1 h annealing. Er_xY_2−xTi₂O₇ nanocrystals absorbing 980 nm photons can produce the upconversion (526, 547, and 660 nm; ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2, respectively) and Stokes (1528 nm; ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2) photoluminescence (PL). The infrared PL decay curve is single-exponential for Er³⁺ (5 mol%)-doped Y₂Ti₂O₇ nanocrystals but slightly nonexponential for Er³⁺ (10 mol%)-doped Y₂Ti₂O₇ nanocrystals. For 5 and 10 mol% doping concentrations, the mechanism of up-converted green light is the two-photon excited-state absorption. Much stronger intensity of red light relative to green light was observed for the sample with 10 mol% dopant. This phenomenon can be attributed to the reduced distance between Er³⁺-Er³⁺ ions, resulting in the enhancement of the energy-transfer upconversion and cross-relaxation mechanisms.     

Spatially selected synthesis of LaF3 and Er-doped CaF2 crystals in oxyfluoride glasses by laser-induced crystallization

Oxyfluoride glasses with a small amount of NiO are prepared using a conventional melt quenching technique, and the spatially selected crystallization of LaF₃ and CaF₂ crystals is induced on the glass surface by irradiations of continuous wave lasers with a wavelength of λ=1064 or 1080 nm. Dots and lines including LaF₃ crystals are patterned by heat-assisted (300 °C) laser irradiations (λ=1064 nm) with a power of P=1 W and an irradiation time of 10 s for dots and a scanning speed of S=5 μm/s for lines. Lines consisting of CaF₂ crystals are also patterned in an ErF₃-doped oxyfluoride glass by laser irradiations (λ=1080 nm) with a power of P=1.7 W and a scanning speed of S=2 μm/s, and the incorporation of Er³⁺ ions into CaF₂ crystals is confirmed from micro-photoluminescence spectrum measurements. It is proposed that the lines patterned by laser irradiations in this study are consisted of the composite of LaF₃ or CaF₂ nanocrystals and SiO₂-based oxide glassy phase. It is demonstrated that a combination of Ni²⁺-dopings and laser irradiations is effective in spatially selected local crystallizations of fluorides in oxyfluoride glasses.     

Latest developments of bulk crystals and thin films of rare-earth doped CaF2 for laser applications

Several CaF₂ single crystals doped with trivalent rare-earth ions have been grown in the recent years in the form of bulk crystals by using the Bridgman method and in the form of thin films by using the MBE and LPE techniques. The spectroscopic, gain and laser properties of these crystals doped with Pr³⁺, on the one hand, and with Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ or Er³⁺ ions, on the other hand, have been studied and are reviewed here for their laser potentials in the red and in the infrared spectral domains, respectively.     

Preparation and some properties of ScB2 single crystals

ScB₂ single crystals were grown by inductive floating zone melting. The ScB₂ structure was refined on single crystal and powder data, the latter obtained from parts of single crystals which were prepared by controlled crushing. The ScB₂ structure corresponds to the AlB₂ structure type, sp. gr. P6/mmm, No. 191 (R₁=0.0191, wR₂=0.0474), lattice parameters are equal to a=0.314820(3) nm, c=0.351483(5) nm, c/a=1.117, X-ray density is 3.670 g/cm³. The measured hydrostatic density is 3.666 g/cm³ which correspond to the Sc_0.99B₂ composition. The ScB₂ Young modulus value is equal to 480 GPa and the Debye characteristic temperature is 1020 K.     

Magnetic properties of Co2V2O7 single crystals grown by flux method

Based on the phase diagram of CoO–V₂O₅ system, single crystals of Co₂V₂O₇ are grown using V₂O₅ as self-flux at a slow cooling rate. The quality of grown crystals is analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction and electron probe microanalysis techniques. Magnetic properties are investigated by means of susceptibility, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. Our experimental results suggest that Co₂V₂O₇ is a three-dimensional antiferromagnet, in which two magnetic transitions may occur at low temperature and a spin-flop-like transition may occur at the applied field along the b-axis. By contrast to Ni₂V₂O₇, it is suggested that similar and different magnetic properties may arise from their similar crystal structures and different magnetic ions, respectively.     

Fluorine sites in glasses and transparent glass-ceramics of the system Na2O/K2O/Al2O3/SiO2/BaF2

The transparent glass-ceramics obtained in the silicate system Na₂O/K₂O/SiO₂/BaF₂ show homogeneously dispersed BaF₂ nano crystals with a narrow size distribution. The X-ray diffraction and the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy were applied to glasses and the respective glass-ceramics in order to clarify the crystallization mechanism and the role of fluorine during crystallization. With an increasing annealing time, the concentration and also the number of crystals remain approximately constant. With an increasing annealing temperature, the crystalline fraction increases until a saturation limit is reached, while the number of crystals decreases and the size of the crystals increases. Fluoride in the glassy network occurs as Al-F-Ba, Al-F-Na and also as Ba-F structures. The latter are transformed into crystalline BaF₂ and fluoride is removed from the Al-F-Ba/Na bonds. However, some fluorine is still present in the glassy phase after the crystallization.     

An investigation of the Nd2O3-MoO3 phase system: Thermal decomposition of Nd2Mo4O15 and formation of Nd6Mo10O39

A new neodymium molybdate, Nd₆Mo₁₀O₃₉, has been identified in the Nd₂O₃-MoO₃ phase system. Nd₆Mo₁₀O₃₉ appears to be a metastable phase, which does not form directly from a stoichiometric mixture of Nd₂O₃ and MoO₃ oxides. Instead, it can be obtained by thermal decomposition of Nd₂Mo₄O₁₅. Nd₂Mo₄O₁₅ usually decomposes into Nd₂(MoO₄)₃, and the formation of Nd₆Mo₁₀O₃₉ critically depends on the heating regime used.The structure of Nd₆Mo₁₀O₃₉ has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c, with unit cell parameters of , , , β=100.767(2)°, at 120 K. Nd atoms are seven and eight coordinate, and pairs of coordination polyhedra share edges and faces, respectively, to form Nd₂O₁₂ and Nd₂O₁₃ groups. All Mo atoms are in tetrahedral coordination environments, with some of the tetrahedra sharing corners to form pyromolybdate groups.     

Rare-earth-rich tellurides: Gd4NiTe2 and Er5M2Te2 (M=Co, Ni)

Three new rare earth metal-rich compounds, Gd₄NiTe₂, and Er₅M₂Te₂ (M=Ni, Co), were synthesized in direct reactions using R, R₃M, and R₂Te₃ (R=Gd, Er; M=Co, Ni) and single-crystal structures were determined. Gd₄NiTe₂ is orthorhombic and crystallizes in space group Pnma with four formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2) K are a=15.548(9), b=4.113(2), . Er₅Ni₂Te₂ and Er₅Co₂Te₂ are isostructural and crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm with two formula units per cell. Lattice parameters at 110(2) K are a=3.934(1), b=14.811(4), , and a=3.898(1), b=14.920(3), , respectively. Metal-metal bonding correlations were analyzed using the empirical Pauling bond order concept.     

The effect of CTAB on Na2SO4 nucleation in mixed Na2SO4/CTAB aerosols by FTIR-ATR technology

FTIR-ATR technology is used to study the efflorescence kinetic of Na_2SO_4 and mixed Na_2SO_4/CTAB aerosols.As the RH decreased linearly,the v_3-SO_4~2 band shifts from 1094 cm~1 to 1132 cm~1,suggesting the phase transition of Na_2SO_4 from solution to crystal phase(Ⅲ).For pure Na_2SO_4 aerosols,the ERH is 75.1%RH,whereas the efflorescence point of mixed Na_2SO_4/CTAB aerosols(74.2%) is lower.By further analysis of IR differential spectra,the ratio of Na_2SO_4 crystals in mixed aerosols is only 62.7%and the heterogeneous nucleation rate of Na_2SO_4 in Na_2SO_4/CTAB mixed aerosols is lower than that in pure Na_2SO_4 aerosols.They showed that CTAB assembled into reversed micelle and part Na_2SO_4 droplets are in the core to form core-shell structure,and CTAB shell prevents core Na_2SO_4 solutions from crystallizing.However,the counter ion Br for CTAB reversed micelle can interact with Na~+ ions,which decreases the crystallization rate of free Na_2SO_4 droplets and ERH is delayed.     

PrCo2Al8 and Pr2Co6Al19: Crystal structure and electronic properties

The praseodymium cobalt aluminides, PrCo₂Al₈ and Pr₂Co₆Al₁₉, were prepared by reaction of the elemental components in an arc-melting furnace, followed by heat treatment at 900 °C for several days. Their chemical composition was checked by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, and their crystal structure was refined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data. PrCo₂Al₈ adopts the CaCo₂Al₈ type of structure, crystallizing with the orthorhombic space group Pbam, with four formula units in a cell of dimensions at room temperature: , , . Pr₂Co₆Al₁₉ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m, with four formula units in a cell of dimensions at room temperature: , , and β=103.903(1)°. Its structure belongs to the U₂Co₆Al₁₉ type. The crystal structures of both compounds studied can be viewed as three-dimensional structures resulting from the packing of Al polyhedra centred by the transition elements. Along the c-axis, the coordination polyhedra around the Pr atoms pack by face sharing to form strands, which are separated one from another by an extended Co-Al network. Magnetic measurements have revealed that PrCo₂Al₈ orders antiferromagnetically at , with a clear metamagnetic transition occurring at a critical field H_c=0.9(1) T. The temperature dependence of the susceptibility of Pr₂Co₆Al₁₉ does not provide any evidence for long-range magnetic ordering in the temperature domain 1.7-300 K. At low temperatures (T<10 K), the susceptibility saturates in a manner characteristic of a non-magnetic singlet ground state. At high temperatures, the magnetic susceptibility of each compound follows a Curie-Weiss law, with the effective magnetic moment per Pr atom of 3.48(5)μ_B and 3.41(2)μ_B for PrCo₂Al₈ and Pr₂Co₆Al₁₉, respectively. These values are close to the theoretical value of 3.58μ_B expected for a free Pr³⁺ ion and exclude any contribution due to the Co atoms. Both compounds exhibit in the temperature range 5-300 K metallic-like electrical conductivity, and their Seebeck coefficient is of the order of several μV/K.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of fluorated single crystals: BaMnF4 and BaF2·HF

Investigations to eliminate defects in the incommensurate phase BaMnF₄, led to a method of preparation at a temperature lower than the melting point of BaMnF₄. Qualitative studies of the systems BaF₂ -H₂O -HF and MnF₂ -H₂O -HF showed that very pure single crystals of BaMnF₄ could be grown at a temperature lower than 300°C. Several new phases could be isolated as single crystals, in particular: BaF_2^′HFSingle crystal X-ray analysis revealed the compound to be monoclinic (Space Group P2₁ and Z = 2) and confirmed the formula found by chemical analysis. However, because of the difficulty to distinguish between fluorine and oxygen atoms, some problems remain, which will be solved by neutron diffraction studies. Infrared analysis indicate the presence of HF^?₂ and suggest the following representation: (Ba²⁺)₂(HF^?₂)₂(F^?)₂.It is possible to extend this method of synthesis to the preparation of other fluorides and related compounds, in particular to those of europium and strontium.     

Flux growth and magnetic properties of FeVO4 single crystals

FeVO₄ (I) single crystals are grown by the flux method using V₂O₅ as the self-flux. The grown crystals exhibit a characteristic morphology with natural facets. The quality of the crystals is confirmed by X-ray diffraction and EPMA techniques. Magnetic properties are investigated by means of magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and heat capacity measurements. Two magnetic phase transitions are observed at ∼13 and ∼20 K. Such unusual magnetic behaviors are suggested to originate from two different Fe ligand environments of octahedral FeO₆ and trigonal bipyramidal FeO₅ in a six-column doubly bent chain.     

Comparison between electron-phonon coupling strengths of U and Nd ions doped in LaCl3 and U in LaBr3 single crystals

Temperature-dependent line width and line shift measurements between 7 and 280 K have been performed for a number of absorption transitions in the 4000-21,000 cm⁻¹ energy range of the U³⁺:LaCl₃, Nd³⁺:LaCl₃ and U³⁺:LaBr₃ single crystal spectra. The values of the electron-phonon coupling parameter were determined for U³⁺:LaCl₃ and Nd³⁺:LaCl₃ by a fit of experimentally observed line widths to an equation containing the temperature dependent broadening due to the Raman two-phonon process. For both ions diluted in LaCl₃ the values of the parameters are considerably lower than in K₂LaCl₅, and the value of for U³⁺ in the LaCl₃ host is markedly larger as compared with that of Nd³⁺. Factors influencing these differences are discussed. With a temperature increase a blue shift of the absorption lines of the U³⁺ ions in LaCl₃ and LaBr₃ is observed. A comparison has been performed among the electron-phonon coupling parameters obtained from an analysis of the line widths of the U³⁺:LaCl₃ single crystal and those determined from temperature induced line shifts as well as between the magnitudes of the absolute increase in line width and line shifts in the 7-290 K temperature range for U³⁺ doped LaCl₃ and LaBr₃ crystals. The electron-phonon coupling is stronger for U³⁺ in the tribromide as compared with the trichloride host which is mainly due to a larger covalency of the first one.     

Band structure calculations on the monoclinic bulk and nano-SrAl2O4 crystals

The electronic structure of SrAl₂O₄ is calculated by density functional method and exchange and correlation have been treated by the generalized gradient approximation within the scheme due to Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof. The bond length and bond covalency are also calculated by chemical bond method. Compared with the SrAl₂O₄ bulk crystal, the bond covalency of nanocrystal has an increasing trend; its band gap also is wider; the bond lengths of SrAl₂O₄ nanocrystal become shorter, which is responsible for the change of the covalency and band gap.     

Synthesis and characterization of the novel Nb3O5F5 niobium oxyfluoride: the term n=3 of the NbnO2n−1Fn+2 series

The solid-state synthesis of the oxyfluoride Nb₃O₅F₅, its crystal structure determined from X-ray powder diffraction data as well as some physical characterizations, are reported. Nb₃O₅F₅ constitutes the term n=3 of the Nb_nO_2n−1F_n+2 series related to the Dion-Jacobson phases. It crystallizes, at room temperature, in the tetragonal system (space group I4/mmm (no. 139); Z=4; a=3.9135(1) Å, c=24.2111(2) Å, and V=370.80(3) Å³). The crystal structure appears to be an in-between of the three-dimensional network of NbO₂F and the two-dimensional packing of NbOF₃ (term n=1 of the Nb_nO_2n−1F_n+2 series). This layered structure consists of slabs made of three Nb(O,F)₆ corner-linked octahedra in thickness (n=3) shifted one from another by a ()/translation. Oxygen and fluorine atoms are randomly distributed over all the ligand sites.     

NMR study of the order-disorder phase transitions of KHCO3 and KDCO3 single crystals

KHCO₃ and its deuterated analogue KDCO₃ are typical materials that undergo order-disorder phase transitions at 318 and 353 K, respectively. The spin-lattice relaxation times, T₁, spin-spin relaxation times, T₂, and the number of resonance lines for the ¹H, ²D, and ³⁹K nuclei of these crystals were investigated using NMR spectrometer. These materials are known to exhibit anomalous decreases in T₁ near T_C, which have been attributed to a structural phase transition. Additionally, changes in the symmetry of the (HCO₃)₂²⁻ (or (DCO₃)₂²⁻) dimers in these materials are associated with large changes in T₁, T₂, and the number of resonance lines. Here we found that the resonance lines for ¹H, ²D, and ³⁹K nuclei decrease in number as the temperature is increased up to T_C, indicating that the orientations of the (HCO₃)₂²⁻ (or (DCO₃)₂²⁻) dimers and the environments of the K ions change at T_C. Moreover, based on number of resonance lines, the results further indicate that the (HCO₃)₂²⁻ (or (DCO₃)₂²⁻) dimers reorientate to approximately parallel to the directions of the hydrogen bonds (or deuteron bonds) and the direction of the a-axis. The transitions at 318 and 345 K of the two crystals are of the order-disorder type. The present results therefore indicate that the orientations of the (HCO₃)₂²⁻ and (DCO₃)₂²⁻ dimers and the environment of the K ion play a significant role in these phase transitions.     

Energy transfer between the Eu2+ sites in KY3F10 single crystals

UV lines of KY₃F₁₀ : Eu²⁺ single crystals are assigned to various sites of Eu²⁺on theK⁺ sublattice. The splitting of the ⁶P_{$\text{7}\text{2}$} level is very weak (<0.6 cm^?1). The activation appears to be non-selective, Eu²⁺ is located both on K⁺ and Y ³⁺ sites. Eu²⁺(K⁺) → Eu²⁺(Y³⁺) energy transfer is pointed out, due to dipole-dipole interaction between Eu²⁺ ions.     

NH2 radicals trapped in NH3 single crystals and various polycrystalline ammonia matrices

?H₂ radical trapped in various ammonia matrices has been investigated by ESR spectroscopy. From the study of the coupling tensors of the ?H₂ radical in a single crystal of NH₃, and taking into account the motions of this radical, it is shown that for all these matrices the spectra can be interpreted on the basis of coupling tensors which give for all cases the same isotropic coupling constants: a_N = 11.3 G, a_H = 24.6 G. Nitrogen and hydrogen coupling tensors for the motionless ?H₂ radical are also discussed     

Reactivity in the solid state between CoWO4 and RE2WO6 where RE = Sm, Eu, Gd

Reactivity in the solid state between CoWO₄ and some rare-earth metal tungstates RE₂WO₆ (RE = Sm, Eu, Gd) was investigated by the XRD method. Two families of new isostructural cobalt and rare-earth metal tungstates, Co₂RE₂W₃O₁₄ and CoRE₄W₃O₁₆, were synthesized. The Co₂RE₂W₃O₁₄ phases are formed by heating in air the CoWO₄ and RE₂WO₆ compounds mixed at the molar ratio 2:1, while the CoRE₄W₃O₁₆ phases are synthesized at the molar ratio of CoWO₄/RE₂WO₆ equals to 1:2. The Co₂RE₂W₃O₁₄ phases as well as the CoRE₄W₃O₁₆ compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic system. The Co₂RE₂W₃O₁₄ and CoRE₄W₃O₁₆ compound melt above 1150 °C. A melting manner of the Co₂RE₂W₃O₁₄ and CoRE₄W₃O₁₆ compounds was determined in an inert atmosphere. The formation of CoWO_4−x phase was observed during heating in an inert atmosphere.     

Electrical conduction and diffusion studies in NH4H2PO4 and KH2PO4 single crystals

Electrical conduction (dc) studies are made with pure and cobalt(II)-doped single crystals of NH₄H₂PO₄ and KH₂PO₄. The effect of the dopant concentration on the enthalpy for the migration of protons and the enthalpy for the rotation of the H₂PO₄ group have been studied. It is suggested that proton migration occurs through a synchronous phosphate rotation mechanism. Tritium diffusion studies in KDP and ³²PO₄ diffusion in ADP crystals have been made. The mechanisms for the conduction and diffusion processes are found to be different in nature. The distribution coefficients of Co(II) dopant in ADP (2.92 × 10^?3) and KDP (1.14 × 10^?3) are calculated. The following enthalpy values are obtained.

     

	KDP (eV)	ADP (eV)
Enthalpy for the migration of protons	0.01 ± 0.01	0.15 ± 0.02
Enthalpy for the rotation of phosphate group	0.71 ± 0.01	0.66 ± 0.01
Enthalpy for T-diffusion	0.14 ± 0.01	—
Enthalpy for 32PO4 diffusion	—	0.24 ± 0.01