Pulsed cathodoluminescence of feldspars

We have studied the spectral and kinetic characteristics of pulsed cathodoluminescence of feldspars (albite, microcline, amazonite) in the time range 10⁻⁸–10⁻² sec and the temperature range 28–300 K. We have shown that the bands in the UV region of the spectrum (5.39, 4.35, and 3.75 eV) are due to intrinsic luminescence of the crystals. The ratio of the intensities of these bands characterizes the phase composition of the mineral: in the luminescence spectra of microcline, for all temperatures the 4.35 eV band dominates; in the pulsed cathodoluminescence spectra of albite, the bands at 3.75 eV (at 300 K) and 5.39 eV (at 28 K) dominate. The parameters of the luminescence decay kinetics for the impurity ions Fe³⁺ and Mn²⁺ are more sensitive to local perturbations of the lattice structure than the position of the emission band maximum, and can be an effective indicator of the origin of the mineral. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 3, pp. 339–343, May–June, 2006.     

Dependence of optical properties on specific surface area and grain sizes in TiO2 powders

The diffuse reflectance (DR) spectra and the cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra in the range 0.34–2.10 μm and changes in the spectra after bombardment by accelerated electrons have been studied as a function of the specific surface area and the grain sizes of titanium dioxide (rutile) powders of different grades (P1, P2, P02, R10). It has been established that the diffuse reflection coefficient and the luminescence band intensity increase as the specific surface area decreases and the grain size of the powder increases. A smaller specific surface area of the powders means lesser initial flareup and subsequent “quenching” of the CL bands as a function of electron fluence. It has been shown that history-related differences between powders of different grades is a less significant factor than the specific surface area in determining the diffuse reflectance and luminescence and also the radiation resistance of the powders. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 1, pp. 73–77, January–February, 2006.     

Photo- and Thermobleaching of Luminescence Centers in Synthetic Opals

It has been found that on exposure of specimens of synthetic opal to UV radiation, luminescence is excited in them (337 nm) that has spectral maxima at 400 and 500 nm. Its duration at half-height of a pulse is 9 nsec, and there is a weak slow component with τ ∼ 1 μsec. The spectrum and intensity of the luminescence depend on the duration of irradiation and temperature. The luminescence bands revealed relate to two individual luminescence centers, namely: the shortwave one, caused by the luminescence centers formed in the bulk of the opal, and the longwave one, due to those formed on the opal surface. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 72, No. 5, pp. 622–626, September–October, 2005.     

Photoluminescence of calcite crystals of different origins

We have studied the photoluminescence of calcite crystals. In the blue region of the photoluminescence spectrum of calcite crystals obtained from Siberia (Russia) and from Saaremaa Island (Estonia), three strongly overlapping luminescence bands due to intrinsic defects are observed. Luminescence due to impurities in the crystals are hardly detectable. The experimentally measured time dependence of the luminescence intensity for the indicated luminescence bands is compared with the dependences obtained as a result of a calculation based on a proposed model for the luminescence center. Better agreement between experiment and calculation is achieved if the model of the luminescence center includes a metastable level with electron ejection energy of 4 meV; the characteristic time for the radiative transition is 1.3 nsec. Studying the time dependence of the luminescence at different wavelengths within the indicated bands allows us to conclude that the photoluminescence (three bands) is due to one type of luminescence center. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 4, pp. 498–501, July–August, 2006.     

The effect of electron irradiation on the optical properties of the natural armenian zeolite-clinoptilolite

Infrared (IR) absorption and luminescence in chemically and radiation-modified natural Armenian Zeolite (clinoptilolite) samples have been studied. The luminescence was studied in 390–450 nm and 620–710 nm wavelength bands, and the IR measurements were carried out in the 400–5400 cm⁻¹ range. It is shown that the luminescence intensity depends on the content of pure clinoptilolite in the samples and, probably on the distribution of “passive” luminescence centers over Si and Al sites that became “active” under radiation or chemical treatment. The samples of electron irradiated clinoptilolite have higher luminescence intensity than the chemically and thermally treated ones. A decrease in the intensity of IR absorption bands at 3550 cm⁻¹ and 3650 cm⁻¹ was found after irradiation.     

Luminescence of CsBr:Eu films grown by liquid-phase epitaxy

By liquid-phase epitaxy from an aqueous alcoholic solution, we have obtained films of the well-known storage phospor CsBr:Eu, and we have studied their cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence (PL) spectra compared with the undoped CsBr films. We have established that the structure of the photoluminescence centers of the CsBr:Eu films when excited by laser radiation in the absorption band of the Eu²⁺ ions (λ = 337 nm) includes Eu²⁺-V_Cs isolated dipole centers and CsEuBr₃ aggregate centers, and also luminescence centers based on inclusions of hydroxyl group OH⁻ with the corresponding emission bands in the 440 nm, 520 nm, and 600 nm regions. We have studied the dependence of the spectra and the intensity of the photoluminescence for CsBr:Eu films on annealing temperature in air at 423–483 K, compared with analogous dependences for CsBr:Eu single crystals obtained from the melt. We have shown that annealing the films at T = 423–463 K leads to rapid formation of CsEuBr3 aggregate luminescence centers, while for T > 473 K thermal degradation of these centers occurs. We conclude that the observed differences between the photoluminescence spectra of CsBr:Eu films and CsBr:Eu single crystals may be due to additional doping of the films with OH⁻ ions. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 2, pp. 191–194, March–April, 2006.     

Luminescence of thulium-activated cubic boron nitride

Under high pressure and temperature conditions, we have obtained samples of thulium-activated cubic boron nitride in the form of micropowders, ceramics, and polycrystals activated by thulium in the presence of aluminum. We studied the cathodoluminescence (CL), photoluminescence (PL), and photoluminescence excitation spectra of the samples. In the luminescence spectra we observe structured bands with maxima at ∼370, ∼475, ∼660, and ∼ 800 nm, assigned to electronic transitions in the triply charged thulium ions. We have established that the most efficient method for excitation of “blue” luminescence at ∼475 nm for thulium ions in cBN is excitation by an electron beam. The cBN samples synthesized in the presence of Al have photoluminescence spectra with a more complex structure compared with samples not containing Al, with the band of dominant intensity at about 660 nm. Hypothetically, this is a consequence of incorporation of thulium ions into the crystalline phases cBN and AlN, which are equally likely to be formed during synthesis. The observed photoluminescence spectrum of the indicated samples is the superposition of the photoluminescence spectra of the Tm³⁺ ions located in the crystal fields of cBN and AlN of different symmetries. The presence in the photoluminescence excitation spectra (at 450, 490, and 660 nm) of structure, with features at wavelengths shorter than the excited photoluminescence, suggests a nonresonant mechanism for its excitation. We have established that luminescence of Tm³⁺ ions is less intense than for other rare earth elements incorporated into cubic boron nitride. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 4, pp. 547–555, July–August, 2008.     

Thermally stimulated luminescence of urine salts

We investigated thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) of urine salts in the normal state and with oxalate, urate, and phosphate salts. We found that the presence of pathological salts leads to a decrease of TSL intensity and to the appearance of additional TLS bands with maxima at 118 and 205 K in addition to the characteristic bands at 173 and 260 K. The TLS bands are related to the urine components. The TSL intensities of urine salts of different chemical composition are compared. The thermal activation energy of the strongest TSL bands is determined. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 4, pp. 548–551, July–August, 2007.     

Cathodoluminescence spectra of Cd1−x Zn x Te solid solutions

An investigation is made of the cathodoluminescence, electrical properties, and structural features of crystals of Cd_1−xZn_xTe solid solutions with composition x ranging from 0.02 to 0.20 mole fraction as compared with CdTe and ZnTe. The main bands of the cathodoluminescence spectra are identified within the range 500–2700 nm. The role of oxygen in Cd_1−xZn_xTe cathodoluminescence is shown. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 67, No. 1, pp. 96–100, January–February, 2000.     

Spodumene and garnet luminescence excited by subnanosecond electron beams

Pulsed cathodoluminescence of spodumene and yttrium-aluminum garnet crystals activated by Mn²⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions, respectively, is investigated. The luminescence was excited upon crystal irradiation by electron beams with current densities of 35 and 100 A/cm² and average electron energy of ∼ 50 keV for 0.1, 0.25, and 0.65 ns. It is demonstrated that the electron beam duration decreased to several tenth of a nanosecond does not lead to essential changes of the mechanisms of pulsed cathodoluminescence excitation and character of its spectrum, but in this case, the intensity of luminescence of the hole centers increases compared with the intracenter luminescence.     

Luminescent properties of crystalline lithium triborate LiB3O5

A study of the luminescence characteristics of crystalline lithium triborate LiB₃O₅ (LBO) is reported. Investigation of the excitation and photoluminescence spectra of nominally pure, oriented LBO crystals within broad spectral (1.2–10.5 eV) and temperature (8–500 K) regions, complemented by optical spectroscopy at the long-wavelength fundamental-absorption edge, has revealed that the broad-band LBO luminescence in the 3.5–4.5-eV region is efficiently excited by photons having energies above 7.5 eV in recombination processes and under corpuscular or x-ray irradiation. The totality of the experimental data obtained permitted a conclusion that the LBO luminescence has an intrinsic nature and that it originates from radiative decay of relaxed electronic excitations. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 223–228 (February 1999)     

Luminescence properties of transparent ceramics Y<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>:Yb

We present the results of studying the luminescence properties of transparent ceramics Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Yb obtained by the vacuum sintering and nanocrystalline technology. In the course of research, we measured the luminescence and luminescence excitation spectra, as well as the temperature and kinetic behavior of luminescence. Our results are analyzed in comparison with the characteristics of corresponding single crystals. We revealed that processes of generation and relaxation of electronic excitations that occur in ceramics, in particular, in the charge transfer state, are similar to processes occurring in crystals. The behavior of two charge-transfer luminescence bands at 340 and 490 nm is studied. In the range 300–600 nm, we revealed a broad emission band of radiation of other type, which is also observed in spectra of undoped ceramics. This broad band is attributed to F⁺ centers. Emission and excitation spectra of charge transfer luminescence at a maximum of the temperature dependence of 100 K are measured for the first time. We found that, upon excitation in the charge transfer band, luminescence in ceramics is more intense than in single crystals with similar concentrations of Yb and has a higher quenching temperature.     

Analytical relations for luminescence intensities accounting for reabsorption

Mathematical relations defining distortions from true values of photoluminescence intensities that arise during measurements due to absorption at the luminescence frequencies are derived for various experimental designs. The adequacy of the derived relations is confirmed by special experiments. The relations allow one to define correctly the contours, widths, and maximum frequencies of luminescence bands of absorbing media and to deduce absorption coefficients of substances from luminescence measurements. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 6, pp. 788–795, November–December, 2008.     

Luminescent properties of Bi-doped boro-alumino-phosphate glasses

A new Bi-doped boro-alumino-phosphate glass (BAP) composition was developed. Absorption and emission spectra and luminescence decay kinetics were investigated. The emission spectrum consists of two wide bands in the visible (0.6–0.8 μm) and near-infrared (∼1.0–1.5 μm) ranges. The luminescence decay curve investigation has revealed a complicated behavior dependent on both excitation and registration wavelengths. In contrast to earlier investigated Bi-doped glasses, Bi:BAP has good technological properties and can be easily scaled. This makes the developed glass composition interesting for broadband tunable (∼1.0–1.5 μm) lasers and amplifiers. PACS 32.70.Cs; 78.20.-e; 78.55.Qr     

Optical,nanostructural, and biophysical properties of Zn-induced changes in human erythrocyte membranes

We studied changes in the surface of erythrocyte membranes exposed to the action of zinc sulfate in the concentration range of 0.1–2.0 mM/l using methods of light scattering, spectrofluorimetry, and atomic force microscopy. Using the spectrofluorimetry method, we revealed a dose-dependent increase in the fluorescence intensity of a fluorescamine probe incorporated into erythrocyte membranes modified by zinc ions, which is indicative of an increase in the level of NH₂ groups on the cell surface. Using atomic force microscopy, we revealed changes in the surface topography of erythrocyte membranes exposed to the action of zinc sulfate in the concentration range of 0.1–2.0 mM/l. By performing a correlation analysis, we revealed that the correlation length of the autocorrelation function of the erythrocyte surface irregularity profile directly related to the fluorescence intensity of fluorescamine incorporated into erythrocyte membranes (r = 0.9, p < 0.05) modified by zinc ions. We showed that, in the zinc sulfate concentration range of 0.1–2.0 mM/l, zinc oxides form in erythrocyte membranes, which is confirmed by the appearance of an absorption band at 330–340 nm and by an increase in the light scattering. At more considerable concentrations, we identified absorption bands characteristic of zinc protein complexes in erythrocyte membranes. A considerable decrease in the elongation of the scattering indicatrix of erythrocyte membranes caused by luminescence correlates with the content of zinc proteins. Polarization measurements confirm the enhancement of the aggregation of protein complexes observed by the atomic force microscopy method. The proposed complex approach can be used in studies on the action of various abiotic factors on biological cells.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Y</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Z</Emphasis> luminescence of polycrystalline cadmium telluride

The properties of polycrystalline CdTe with a grain size of 5–30 μm have been investigated using the microphotoluminescence methods of spectral analysis and topography. This material has been prepared by direct synthesis in a vapor flow of components at a low temperature. The dominance of the Y and Z bands in the spectra reflects a nonequilibrium character of the crystallization processes. The superlinear dependences of the luminescence intensity on the level of the band-to-band excitation indicate the exciton nature of the corresponding transitions. The activation energies for temperature quenching of luminescence in the temperature range T = 100–150 K are found to be 120 meV for the Y luminescence and 180 meV for the Z luminescence, which correspond to the dissociation of excitons bound to defects with the transition of charge carriers to the conduction and valence bands. The monochromatic topography data indicate that Y and Z defects have different material bases.     

Luminescence excitation spectra and characteristics of luminescence centers with overlapping absorption bands

For an ensemble of different types of luminescence centers with overlapping absorption bands, with no restrictions on the optical densities, we have obtained relations describing the luminescence excitation spectra for each type of center. We consider transformations of the relations in some limiting cases. We suggest a procedure for using the equations obtained to determine the characteristics of the luminescence centers. Some of these procedures have been experimentally implemented in study of intrinsic radiation color centers in lithium fluoride crystals. We have determined the ratios of the luminescence quantum yields for F₂ and F₃⁺ color centers, and we have observed that a major role is played by nonradiative transitions in deactivation of the first excited singlet state of F₃⁺ centers. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 75, No. 3, pp. 365–371, May–June, 2008.     

Applications of cathodoluminescence in mineralogy

Cathodoluminescence microscopy and cathodoluminescence spectrometry with the electron microprobe and the scanning electron microscope are applied to the study of some natural cassiterite, quartz and sphalerite crystals. Some examples of localization and distribution of crystalline defects revealed by cathodoluminescence microscopy are given. X-ray spectrometry and secondary ion mass analysis allow to illustrate the coincidence between the spatial variations of cathodoluminescence emission and the distribution of impurities within minerals. In order to establish a relationship between the spectral distribution of the luminescence and the nature of trace elements, comparisons are made between cathodoluminescence properties of natural and artificial zinc sulphide crystals. Particular attention is given to specimen containing copper-gallium impurities. It has been possible to distinguish between the impurities which can be responsible for the luminescence and those which are not associated with cathodoluminescence emission characteristic of the crystals. The study of cathodoluminescence intensity according to the excitation conditions led to consider the contribution of the X-ray photons generated in the specimen for the production of luminescence photons. An in-depth distribution law of generated photons similar to that used to take account of X-ray emission led to introduce an absorption function in the relation giving the measured intensity of cathodoluminescence according to the incident energy and the electron beam density.     

Determination of Dy(III) in the presence of Tb(III) using time-resolved luminescence

We have measured the relative luminescence quantum yields and luminescence lifetimes of Tb(III) and Dy(III) ions in complexes with pyrazole-5-carboxylic acids. Based on study of the time-resolved luminescence spectra of Tb(III) and Dy(III) complexes with 3-(6-benzodioxanyl)pyrazole-5-carboxylic acid, we have demonstrated the possibility in principle of determining Dy(III) in the presence of Tb(III) by separating the short-lived component of the luminescence of dysprosium, despite the practically complete overlap of the analytical bands of dysprosium by the terbium bands. This method was used to determine Dy(III) in luminescent materials: scandium borates doped with terbium and dysprosium. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 74, No. 3, pp. 327–331, May–June, 2007.     

Theoretical interpretation of spectral signs of an oxymethyl group in the IR spectrum of methyl-β-D-glucopyranoside

For the first time, we have assigned the observed absorption bands and interpreted the IR spectrum of methyl-β-D-glucopyranoside in detail in the 1500–800 cm⁻¹ region, based on a full calculation of the frequencies and absolute intensities of the normal vibrations of the molecule and their comparison with the experimental data. We have identified two groups of spectral signs indicating an oxymethyl substituent has replaced the hydroxyl group on the C₍₁₎ atom in the glucopyranoside: absorption bands of medium intensity due to the characteristic vibrations of the substituent, and intense bands due to an unusual “interaction” between many structural moieties. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 73, No. 6, pp. 721–727, November–December, 2006.