Energy level scheme and the effect of magnetic order on the optical transitions in europium chalcogenides

The optical constants of Eu-chalcogenide single crystals have been determined at room temperature for photon energies from 1 to 6 eV. In the same energy range the transmission of thin evaporated films (except for EuO) has been measured with polarized light above and below the magnetic ordering temperature. The observed polarization-dependent splittings of the two main absorption maxima in the region of magnetic order suggest transitions from the 4f⁷-level into the crystal field split 5dt_2g- and 5de_g-states. An attempt has been made to relate the maxima of the absorption coefficient to interband transitions and transitions from the localized 4f-states. With this assumption we derived a consistent energy level scheme of the four Eu-chalcogenides. From the scheme we gained useful information about the width of the 5d-states, the crystal field splitting and the possible type of conductivity. Finally we tried to explain theoretically the splittings observed in the region of magnetic order. For this purpose a one-particle model has been used to calculate the transition probabilities for the 4f⁷?4f⁶(⁷F _J ) 5dt_2g and the 4f⁷?4f⁶(⁷F _J ) 5de_g transition, taking into account an exchange interaction as well as a spin-orbit coupling. Although this simple model can explain the splittings of the excited 4f⁶(⁷F _J ) 5de_g-state, a complete explanation of the effect of magnetic order on the 4f⁶(⁷F _J ) 5dt_2g-state fails up to now.     

Study of absorption spectra of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> in KTaO<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystals

The first results of the study of optical absorption spectra of KTaO₃: Er³⁺ crystals are presented. In the 350–660-nm region, lines are observed deriving from intraconfigurational electronic transitions from the ⁴ I _15/2 ground state to levels of the ⁴ F _9/2, ⁴ S _3/2, ² H _11/2, ⁴ F _7/2, ⁴ F _5/2(⁴ F _3/2), ² G _9/2, and ⁴ G _11/2 excited states of the Er³⁺ ions. A comprehensive study of transitions to the ⁴ F _9/2, ⁴ S _3/2, ² H _11/2, and ⁴ F _7/2 levels at 77 K is carried out. The number of lines observed for the above transitions fits the theoretically possible number for ?-? electronic transitions in Er³⁺ ions in the cubic crystal field. In the case of a differently charged substituted ion, this situation occurs only under nonlocal impurity charge compensation. The energies of the excited state levels for the transitions under study are determined.     

Absorption Spectrum from Europium Ions in Europium Oxychloride,EuOCl

We have recorded part of the UV-visible region of the electronic spectrum of EuOCl at both 292 and 77 K by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. Illumination of the sample and collection of the reflected light was accomplished through the use of an all-quartz fiberoptic probe. Several absorption maxima were observed which result from transitions from the ⁷F₀ ground state and ⁷F₁ excited state to the ⁵D₄ ⁵G_2,4,6 ⁵L₆, and ⁵D₃ excited states of the Eu³⁺ ion.     

Characterisation of geometric isomers of europium chlorides with 2,2′-bipyridine based on X-ray diffraction,luminescence and quantum chemical data

A low-temperature high-resolution luminescence study of the EuCl₃bpy₂(H₂O) _n isomers has been carried out. The Eu³⁺ luminescence spectra of all geometric isomers were recorded over the spectral range which includes transitions from the ⁵D₀ excited state to the ⁷F_0–4 ground state manifolds and from the ⁵D₁ excited state to the ⁷F_0–2 ground state manifolds. Analysis of the Eu³⁺ transitions observed in the luminescence spectra shows that the Eu³⁺ ion occupies a spectroscopic site symmetry that approaches a C_{2 v} symmetry with distortion towards C₂ or lower symmetry. The structural features and distortions of the Eu³⁺ coordination polyhedron in these geometric isomers were described based on the X-ray crystallographic data as well. The splitting patterns and energies found of the ⁷F_0–4 manifolds have been used to calculate the crystal field parameters (CFPs) of the Eu³⁺ ions in these geometric isomers. In addition the mutual influence of the ligands as well as the relative stability of geometric isomers of the [EuCl₃bpy₂(H₂O)₂]⁺ cation in the gas phase was analyzed within DFT calculations.     

Excited state absorption and stimulated emission of Nd3+ in crystals. Part I: Y3Al5O12, YAlO3, and Y2O3

4 F_3/2 excited state of the Nd³⁺ ion in Y₃Al₅O₁₂, YAlO₃, and Y₂O₃ were measured in a continuous wave pump- and probe experiment in a wide spectral range from 850 nm (780 nm for Y₃Al₅O₁₂) to 1500 nm. The cross sections were determined from a comparison with the emission spectra and the simultaneously measured ground state absorption bleaching. The strongest excited state absorption transitions were found in the 1220–1400 nm spectral region due to transitions to the ²G_9/2 and ⁴G_7/2 levels. The spectral positions of the measured transitions are in good agreement with the theoretically expected transitions calculated from the known Stark-level splittings. Received: 4 December 1997/Revised version: 8 May 1998     

Solvent-Assisted Self-Quenching of the 5D3-State of Tb3+ in POCl3:SnCl4

The near infrared and visible spectra of Tb³⁺ in POCl₃:SnCl₄, in conjunction with the corresponding emission spectra, reveal an energy mismatch between the nonradiative transitions ⁵D₃ → ⁵D₄ and ⁷F₀ ← ⁷F₆ in favor of the former. This energy mismatch increases at higher temperatures. The temperature dependence of the self-quenching of the ⁵D₃-state of Tb³⁺, which requires the coupling between the aforementioned transitions, can be accounted for via a mode-assisted process.     

Temperature sensing behavior of Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> doped tellurite and calibo glasses

The effect of temperature on the luminescence intensity of the two bands due to ⁵ D ₁→⁷ F ₁ and ⁵ D ₀→⁷ F ₁ transitions in Eu³⁺ on excitation with the 476.5 nm line from an Ar⁺ laser has been studied in tellurite and calibo glasses. It is interesting to note that the peak intensity of the ⁵ D ₁→⁷ F ₁ transition increases with increasing temperature where as that of the ⁵ D ₀→⁷ F ₁ transition decreases. The ratio of the intensities of the two bands have been used to estimate the temperature. PACS 42.70 Ce     

Temperature effect on fluorescence and UV–vis absorption spectroscopic properties of Dy(III) in molten LiCl–KCl eutectic salt

The spectroscopic properties of Dy(III) in molten LiCl–KCl eutectic salt at high temperature were investigated by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. For the first time, a visible fluorescence of Dy(III) in high-temperature LiCl–KCl eutectic salt was measured due to the electronic transitions from ⁴I_13/2 and ⁴F_9/2 to ⁶H_J/2 (J=7,…,15). The effect of temperature on hypersensitivity for the electronic transitions from the ⁴I_13/2 excited state (～25700 cm^?1) of Dy(III) was confirmed by altering temperature in chloride eutectic salt in accord with optical absorption measurements. The molar absorptivity of ⁴I_13/2←⁶H_15/2 was enhanced with increasing temperature. The fluorescence intensity of Dy(III) followed a simple mono-exponential decay curve, suggesting the formation of a single chemical species in high-temperature LiCl–KCl molten salt.     

Fast and efficient VUV/UV emissions from (Ba,La)F2:Er crystals

We report observation of fast and efficient VUV/UV luminescence from the mixed (Ba,La)F₂:Er crystals. The broad bands, peaking at 162.5, 181.9, 194.2, 202.8, 216.1, 233.5 and 281.5 nm and decaying, at 10 and 293 K, with time constants of 46 and 35 ns respectively, are due to spin-allowed transitions from the low-spin (LS) state of the 4f¹⁰5d configuration.We also observed a weak and slow broad band emission peaking at 170 nm due to the spin-forbidden transition from the high-spin (HS) state of the 4f¹⁰5d configuration.While at room temperature the excitation into any of the three identified LS bands (J=8, 7 and 6) dominating the excitation spectrum yields fast VUV and UV emissions, at 10 K the excitation into higher lying J=7 and 6 bands generates slow and sharp line emissions. The positions of these lines fit energies of transitions originating from the ²G_7/2 multiplet at 66140 cm⁻¹. The emission from the ²G_7/2 multiplet has been never, to the best of our knowledge, observed before.The efficient and fast VUV and UV emissions from the higher (LS, J=8) with almost no contribution from the lower (HS, J=8) level of the 4f¹⁰5d configuration are possible because the modified crystal field in (Ba,La)F₂ shifts the level of the (LS, J=8) state below the ²F_5/2 multiplet which, therefore, does not contribute to nonradiative relaxation between the LS and HS levels.We conclude that the ²G_7/2 and ²F_5/2 levels have major impact on VUV and UV emissions from the Er³⁺ ion in (Ba,La)F₂ contributing to complex emission pattern described in this report Their key role, elucidated by the VUV and UV luminescence spectroscopy, is consistent with predictions from a simple configuration coordinate model based on experimental results and calculations of the 4f¹¹ energy levels.     

Quantum cutting abilities of sol-gel derived LiGdF4:Eu powders

Optical properties of europium doped LiGdF₄ (LGF) powders synthesized by the sol-gel process were investigated in the VUV range. Emission of two visible photons (due to ⁵D₀→⁷F_J transitions on two Eu³⁺ ions) per absorbed VUV photon was demonstrated indicating that a quantum cutting phenomenon takes place. This mechanism is explained by a two-step energy transfer when exciting Gd³⁺ ions in their ⁶G_J high energy level. Best luminescence efficiency was recorded at room temperature for samples with a doping rate of 5 mol% in europium ions. Effect of rare-earth concentration on internal quantum cutting efficiency was studied. Temperature dependence was also investigated and showed that the down-conversion process upon excitation at 202 nm becomes inefficient at low temperature since energy transfer from Gd³⁺ ions to Eu³⁺ ions is not effective any more. Such a result was connected with the thermal population at room temperature of Eu³⁺⁷F₁ state which is involves in the first step of the energy transfer.     

Lineshift and linewidth in optical spectra of europium salts

The lineshift and the linewidth of the transition⁵ D ₀ →⁷ F ₀ has been measured in EuCl₃ · 6H₂O, Eu(NO₃) · 6H₂O and Eu₂O₃ as a function of temperature between 4.2 and 300 °K. In all cases the lines are shifted to the blue (shorter wavelength) with increasing temperature. A linear relationship is found between the lineshifts and the internal energies of the compounds.—In Eu(C₂H₅SO₄)₃ · 9H₂O the linewidth of several transitions from the⁵ D ₀ state to the crystal field states of the⁷ F _i levels have been measured at 4.2 °K. The linewidths are compared with those expected for a depopulation of the⁷ F _i states by phonons.     

Luminescence spectroscopy of Eu in Ca3Sc2Si3O12

Ca₃Sc₂Si₃O₁₂ doped with 1 mol% Eu³⁺ and having a cubic garnet structure was prepared by a solid state reaction. The low temperature luminescence spectrum shows no measurable ⁵D₀→⁷F₀ band, in agreement with the location of the lanthanide dopant in a site of D₂ symmetry, i.e. with a Ca²⁺ substitution. On the other hand, the spectrum is clearly dominated by the ⁵D₀→⁷F₄ band, which is significantly stronger than that for the other transitions originating from the ⁵D₀ level. This unusual behavior is explained on the basis of a model describing the distortion of the EuO₈ coordination polyhedron from a cubic geometry to the actual D₂ one.     

Spectroscopic properties of nano-sized cerium-doped lutetium aluminum garnet phosphors via sol-gel combustion process

Nano-sized cerium-doped lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAG:Ce) phosphors were prepared via a sol-gel combustion process from a mixed aqueous solution of metal nitrates, using glycine as a fuel. The prepared LuAG:Ce phosphors were characterized by XRD, EPMA, and TEM, respectively. The spectroscopic properties of the phosphors were investigated. The as-prepared phosphors are agglomerated with a primary particle size of about 30 nm and have a foamy-like morphology. The pure crystalline LuAG:Ce with uniform size of 40 nm was obtained after calcined at 1000 °C for 2 h. The excitation spectrum shows two bands localized at 350 and 450 nm due to transitions from the 4f ground state to the excited 5d band. Both the photoluminescence excited by UV and the radioluminescence excited by X-ray show the same two emission bands, corresponding to transitions from the lowest 5d excited state (²D) to the 4f ground state of Ce³⁺ (²F_5/2,²F_7/2).     

Eu photoluminescence enhancement due to thermal energy transfer in Eu2O3-doped SiO2-B2O3-PbO2 glasses system

In this work, Eu³⁺-doped lead borosilicate glasses (SiO₂-B₂O₃-PbO₂) synthesized by fusion method had their optical properties investigated as a function of temperature. Atomic Force Microscopy images obtained for a glass matrix annealed at 350 and 500 °C show a precipitated crystalline phase with sizes 11 and 21 nm, respectively. Besides, as the temperature increases from 350 to 300 K a strong Eu³⁺ photoluminescence (PL) enhancement takes place. This anomalous feature is attributed to the thermally activated carrier transfer process from nanocrystals and charged intrinsic defects states to Eu³⁺ energy levels. In addition, the PL peaks in this temperature range were assigned to the Eu³⁺ transitions ⁵D₀→⁷F₂, at 612 nm, ⁵D₀→⁷F₁, at 595 nm, and ⁵D₀→⁷F₀, at 585 nm. It was also observed that the ⁵D₀→⁷F₃ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₄ PL bands at 655 and 700 nm, respectively, show a continuous decrease in intensity as the temperature increases.     

X-ray excited optical luminescence in the yttrium-gadolinum-terbium phosphate system

The X-ray excited optical luminescence of Tb in YPO₄ present at 0.01 mol Tb₂O₃/mol Y₂O₃ was found to consist primarily of emission in the 3800–4500 Å region arising from 5D₃ → 7FJ transitions of Tb³⁺. This luminescence was in addition found to be sensitized by Gd. Preliminary tests on the radiographic properties of the Y_0.8Gd_0.2PO₄: Tb³⁺ composition show that this phosphor offers promise as an efficient radiographic screen phosphor.     

Preparation and photoluminescent properties of doped nanoparticles of ZnS by solid-state reaction

Nanometer-sized Eu³⁺-doped ZnS and Mn²⁺-doped ZnS particles were prepared by solid-state method at low temperature. The structures and properties of those materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescent spectroscopy techniques. The XRD patterns reveal that the doped ZnS nanoparticles belong to zinc-blende structure. The concentration of doping ions has little effect on the sizes of the doped ZnS nanoparticles, which mainly depends on the temperature of preparation. The emission peaks from the ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=1, 2, and 4) electronic energy transitions of Eu³⁺ were observed in the emission spectra of the ZnS:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles. The intensity ratio of the two peaks from the ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transitions indicates that more Eu³⁺ ions occupy the sites with no inversion symmetry. For the ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles, an orange emission from the ⁴T₁→⁶A₁ transition of Mn²⁺ is present, indicating that the doping ions occupy the positions of the ZnS lattices. Meanwhile, UV-induced luminescence enhancement was observed for the ZnS:Mn²⁺ nanoparticles, the possible reason of which is discussed primarily.     

Optical absorption and photoluminescence studies of Eu-doped phosphate and fluorophosphate glasses

Phosphate (P₂O₅+K₂O+BaO+Al₂O₃+Eu₂O₃) and fluorophosphate (P₂O₅+K₂O+BaO+BaF₂+Al₂O₃+Eu₂O₃) glasses with different Eu³⁺ ion concentrations have been prepared and characterized through optical absorption, photoluminescence and decay times. An intense red luminescence is observed from the ⁵D₀ emitting level of Eu³⁺ ions in these glasses. The relative luminescence intensity ratio of ⁵D₀→⁷F₂→⁵D₀→⁷F₁ transitions has been evaluated to estimate the local site symmetry around the Eu³⁺ ions. The emission spectra of these glasses show a complete removal of degeneracy for the ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ and ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transitions. Second and fourth rank crystal-field (CF) parameters have been calculated together with the CF strength parameter by assuming the C_2v symmetry for the Eu³⁺ ions in both the phosphate and fluorophosphate glasses. Judd-Ofelt parameters have been evaluated from the luminescence intensity ratios of ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=2, 4 and 6) to ⁵D₀→⁷F₁ transitions. These parameters have been used to derive radiative properties such as transition probabilities, branching ratios, radiative lifetimes and peak stimulated emission cross-sections for the ⁵D₀→⁷F_J transitions. Decay curves of the ⁵D₀ level of Eu³⁺ ions in these two Eu³⁺:glass systems have been measured by monitoring the ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition (611 nm) at room temperature. The experimental lifetime of the ⁵D₀ level in the title glasses is found to be higher than Eu³⁺-doped niobium phosphate glasses. The analysis indicates that the lifetime of the ⁵D₀ level is found to be less sensitive to the Eu³⁺ ion concentration and addition of BaF₂ has no significant effect on the optical properties of Eu³⁺-doped phosphate glasses.     

Solvent effect on optical properties of hydrated lanthanide tris-acetylacetone

We have studied the optical absorption spectra of trivalent lanthanide(III) β-diketones. The enhancement in intensity of the hypersensitive transitions of Eu(III) ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ and Tb(III) ⁵D₄→⁷F₅ and ⁵D₄→⁷F₂ complexes was observed in various solution mediums. The oscillator strength for the intraconfigurational transitions has been determined using Judd-Ofelt theory. The change in the oscillator strength and band shape with respect to solvent type is rationalized in terms of ligand (solvent) structure and coordination properties. The intensity of hypersensitive transitions is found to be highly influenced in DMF solution. Electronic spectral studies of the Pr(III) and Nd(III) complexes in different solvents, which differ with respect to donor atoms, reveal that the chemical environment around the lanthanide ion has great impact on f-f transitions and any change in the environment in terms of solvent results in modifications of the spectra.     

Concentration influence on temperature-dependent luminescence properties of samarium substituted strontium tetraborate

The series of divalent samarium substituted strontium tetraborate (Sr_1?xSm_xB₄O₇) polycrystalline samples were prepared by the conventional solid-state reaction. The phase formation of the samples was investigated by X-ray powder diffraction measurements. The luminescence spectra and decay curves of the Sm²⁺ ions were measured. Temperature dependent Sm²⁺ luminescence properties were investigated. The f–d and ⁵D₁–⁷F_J transitions appeared at 350 K and increased with increase in the temperature while the intensity of ⁵D₀–⁷F_J transitions decreased. The emission spectra pointed out that Sm²⁺ occupies of C_2v or lower symmetry site. The photoluminescence decay times of strontium tetraborate doped with different concentrations of Sm²⁺ was investigated as a function of temperature in the range of 100–500 K. However, no obvious concentration quenching was observed.