Photoluminescence of sol–gel-derived Y<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> thin-film phosphors with Mg<Superscript>2+</Superscript> and Al<Superscript>3+</Superscript> co-doping

Red-light-emitting Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ thin-film phosphors were synthesized using a sol–gel process. The effect of Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ co-dopants on the Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ thin-film phosphor photoluminescence (PL) property was investigated. At a certain concentration, both Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ co-dopants were found to further enhance the PL emission intensity of Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺ thin-film phosphors. The optimum PL emission intensity was observed in Y₂O₃:12%Eu³⁺, 7%Mg²⁺ and Y₂O₃:12%Eu³⁺, 2%Al³⁺ phosphor films. From our results, the enhancement of the emission intensity by the Mg²⁺ and Al³⁺ co-dopants is explained in terms of the creation of defect states near the Y(4d+5s) conduction band, which overlap with the Eu³⁺ charge-transfer state (CTS). The overlapping leads to CTS broadening and consequently induces higher absorption and hence an increase of the emission intensity. From X-ray diffraction results, we have found that there is no additional phase formed in the co-doped phosphor films. PACS 68.55.Ln; 78.55.-m; 81.20.Fw     

Concentration quenching of Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in a novel blue–green emitting phosphor: Ba<Subscript>2</Subscript>ZnSi<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>

A novel blue–green emitting phosphor Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇: Eu²⁺ was prepared by a combustion synthesis (CS) method. An efficient green emission under conditions ranging from ultraviolet to visible light was observed. The emission spectrum shows a single intensive band centered at 503 nm, which corresponds to the 4f ⁶5d ¹→4f ⁷ transition of Eu²⁺. The excitation spectrum is a broad band extending from 260 to 465 nm, which matches the emission of ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). The critical quenching concentration of Eu²⁺ in Ba₂ZnSi₂O₇:Eu²⁺ phosphor is about 0.05 mol. The corresponding concentration quenching mechanism is verified to be a dipole–dipole interaction. The value of the critical transfer distance is calculated as 19 Å, which is in good agreement with the value (20 Å) derived from the experimental data.     

Hydrothermal synthesis,characterization, and luminescence of Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>B<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>:RE (RE = Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>) nanofibers

Ca₂B₂O₅:RE (RE = Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺) nanofibers were synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction method. The structural refinement was conducted on the base of the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements. The surface properties of the Ca₂B₂O₅:RE (RE = Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺) nanofibers were investigated by the measurements such as the scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the energy dispersive spectrum (EDS). The nanofiber has a diameter of about 100 nm and a length of several micrometers. The luminescence properties such as photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission spectra (PL), decay lifetime, color coordinates, and the absolute internal quantum efficiency (QE) were reported. Ca₂B₂O₅:Eu³⁺ nanofibers show the red luminescence with CIE coordinates of (x = 0.41, y = 0.51) and the luminescence lifetime of 0.63 ms. The luminescence of Ca₂B₂O₅:Tb³⁺ nanofibers is green color (x = 0.29, y = 0.53) with the lifetime of 2.13 ms. However, Dy³⁺-doped Ca₂B₂O₅ nanofibers present a single-phase white-color phosphor with the fluorescence decay of 3.05 ms. Upon near-UV excitation, the absolute quantum efficiency is measured to be 65, 35, and 37 % for Eu³⁺-, Tb³⁺-, Dy³⁺-doped Ca₂B₂O₅ nanofibers, respectively. It is suggested that Ca₂B₂O₅:RE (RE = Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺) nanofibers could be an efficient phosphor for lighting and display.     

Gain characteristics of 980 nm-pumped Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript>–Pr<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-co-doped fiber

We present a numerical model of Er³⁺–Tm³⁺–Pr³⁺-co-doped fiber amplifier pumped with 980 nm laser for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. The rate and power propagation equations are solved numerically to analyze the effects of the pump power and active ion concentrations on the gains at 1310, 1470, 1530, 1600, 1650 nm windows. The results show that with pump power of 200 mW and when Pr³⁺, Tm³⁺, Er³⁺ concentrations are around 2.0×10²⁴, 3.0×10²⁴, 1.5×10²⁴ (ions/m³), respectively, the signals at 1470, 1530, 1600 nm may be nearly equally amplified with gain of 11–12.0 dB in the active fiber with length of 11.0 m, and the signals at 1310, 1470 and 1600 nm windows may be nearly equally amplified with gain of 12.0 dB in the active gain medium with length of 15.0 m. With pump power of 300 mW, the signals at 1470, 1530, 1600 nm may be nearly equally amplified with a gain of 16.0 dB in the active medium with a length of 15.0 m.     

Luminescence of yttrium–aluminum garnet crystals with Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> impurity ions

Luminescence of yttrium-aluminum garnet Y₃Al₅O₁₂: Eu,Si samples is studied. It is found that luminescence is associated with Eu²⁺ ions, but does not correspond to intracenter 4f ⁶5d ¹–4f ⁷ transitions. Measurements of the excited state lifetime point to the luminescence mechanism involving charge-transfer states.     

Hyperfine Interactions in Pb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>F<Stack><Subscript>8</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack>F<Stack><Subscript>a</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> clusters in fluorite crystals

The parameters of hyperfine interactions in Pb³⁺F ₈ ^? F _a ^? tetragonal clusters of MeF₂ crystals (Me=Ca, Sr, Ba) are interpreted. The contributions of the spin polarization to the parameters of the proper hyperfine interaction and additional (ligand) hyperfine interactions are calculated in the approximation of weak binding between a charge-compensating ion F _a ^? and a cubic fragment in the tetragonal cluster. It is demonstrated that correct inclusion of the contributions from the spin polarization to the ligand isotropic hyperfine interaction for the F _a ^? ion leads to anomalously large parameters of this interaction for MeF₂ crystals. These results are in agreement with experimental data.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">J</Emphasis><Superscript>π</Superscript>0<Superscript>−</Superscript> levels in <Superscript>156</Superscript>Gd and <Superscript>158</Superscript>Gd

The 0^? states in the ¹⁵⁶Gd nucleus at E = 1952.38 keV and in the ¹⁵⁸Gd nucleus at E = 2269.16 keV are established on the basis of an analysis of available data on even-even deformed nuclei. From data on the deexcitation of the levels and on the probability of their population by beta transitions, it is found that these states have a two-particle proton structure. A comparison of our data with information about the 0^? levels in the ¹⁷⁰Yb and ¹⁷⁶Hf nuclei makes it possible to conclude that J^π0^? two-particle states exist at an excitation energy of about 2 MeV and higher.     

Potential energy of <Superscript>∞</Superscript>H<Stack><Subscript>2</Subscript><Superscript>-</Superscript></Stack>(<Superscript>2</Superscript>∑<Stack><Subscript>u</Subscript><Superscript>+</Superscript></Stack> in the bound-state region

An accurate calculation of the lowest negative electronic state of H ₂ ^- (fixed nuclei) is reported using the CCSD(T) method and doubly augmented cc-pv5z basis set. Comparison has been made with the reference data by Senekowitsch et al. [Chem. Phys. Lett. 111 (1984) 211]. Owing to larger size of the basisset and inclusion of triple excitations, no vertical shift in this work is necessary to reproduce the asymptotics of H + H ^-. In addition, the effect of basis-set truncation is estimated, based on the complete-basis-set extrapolation method. The contribution of correlated electron-proton motion to the electron-energy curve for H₂ ^– dynamics is pointed out.Dedicated to Prof. Jií Horáek on the occasion of his 60th birthday.     

Asymptotic three-particle approach to the Coulomb breakup process <Superscript>6</Superscript>Li + <Superscript>208</Superscript>Pb → <Superscript>208</Superscript>Pb + α + <Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>

On the basis of the distorted-wave method, experimental data on the triple-differential cross section for the Coulomb breakup reaction ²⁰⁸Pb(⁶Li, αd)²⁰⁸Pb are analyzed by employing a correct expression for the final-state ²⁰⁸Pb–α–d three-particle Coulomb wave function. It is shown that the effect of final-state three-particle Coulomb dynamics can be used to assess the kinematical condition of clean Coulomb breakup processes. New values of the astrophysical S factor for the direct-radiative-capture reaction d(α, γ)⁶Li at ultralow energies in the range of 70 ≤ E _dα ≤ 600 keV were extracted from experimental data. The value of S(0) = 1.60 ± 0.17 MeV nb was obtained.     

Two photons into π<Superscript>0</Superscript>π<Superscript>0</Superscript>

We perform a theoretical study based on dispersion relations of the reaction γγ → π ⁰ π ⁰ emphasizing the low-energy region. We discuss how the ƒ ⁰(980) signal emerges in γγ → ππ within the dispersive approach and how this fixes to a large extent the phase of the isoscalar S-wave γγ → ππ amplitude above the threshold. This allows us to make sharper predictions for the cross-section at lower energies and our results could then be used to distinguish between different ππ isoscalar S-wave parameterizations with the advent of new precise data on ππ → π ⁰ π ⁰. We compare our dispersive approach with an updated calculation employing the unitary chiral perturbation theory (U _gC PT). We also pay special attention to the role played by the σ-resonance in γγ → ππ and calculate its coupling and width to γγ, for which we obtain Γ(σ → γγ) = (1.68 ± 0.15) keV.     

Optimizing after-glow luminescent parameters of Sr<Subscript>4</Subscript>Al<Subscript>14</Subscript>O<Subscript>25</Subscript>:Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript>, Dy<Superscript>3+</Superscript>, by sol–gel method and combustion process

Strontium aluminates are viewed as a promising persistent luminescent materials. There are many researches on strontium aluminates, including SrAl₂O₄, Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅. Between these two phases, Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ shows much better properties than SrAl₂O₄. The traditional way to synthesize Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅ is the solid state reaction. However, it exists few problems, especially non-homogeneous product. As a result, there are two methods chosen to make homogeneous precursor. One is sol–gel method, the other is combustion with Urea as a fuel. Boric acid is added as a flux in both method. In this study, combustion process is found to be a better way for synthesizing Sr₄Al₁₄O₂₅. We change the temperature, synthetic method. The samples are finely grinded and used for XRD analysis, photoluminescence measurement, and after-glow decay curve to figure out the optimizing luminescent parameters.     

<Superscript>16</Superscript>O/<Superscript>18</Superscript>O oxygen isotope exchange kinetics in MnO<Stack><Subscript>4</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack> as probed by <Superscript>55</Superscript>Mn NMR

The effect of the ¹⁶O ? ¹⁸O substitution in the coordination sphere of permanganate anion MnO ₄ ^? on the chemical shift of ⁵⁵Mn nuclei have been studied by ¹⁷O and ⁵⁵Mn NMR. Time constants τ _n,k of oxygen exchange in the water–permanganate anion system have been estimated. In nearly neutral solutions (pH ≈ 6.8–7.2), the oxygen exchange time is on the order of tens of hours. Bubbling gaseous HCl through this solution for a few seconds leads to the equilibrium distribution of oxygen isotopes in the manganese coordination sphere. The observed temperature dependences of isotope-induced ⁵⁵Mn NMR shifts in Mn¹⁶ O _44-n ¹⁸ O _n ^– (n = 0–4) have been treated as a result of rovibrational averaging of Mn–O bond lengths. The change in the Mn—O bond length in caused by the ¹⁶O → ¹⁸O isotope substitution is on the order of 10^–4 Å.     

Narrow α + <Superscript>28</Superscript>Si elastic-scattering states at high excitation in <Superscript>32</Superscript>S

The excitation function and angular distributions of elastic α-particle scattering on ²⁸Si have been measured in the laboratory energy range 6-28 MeV using a backscattering technique on a thick target, yielding a continuous energy distribution. More than 200 narrow states are observed, with widths in the range ∼ 30-100 keV at excitation energies E ^* = 13-32 MeV. Angular distributions at backward angles were measured, and angular momentum values of more than 83 states have been deduced. The analysis gives spin-parities J ^π, α-partial widths Γ_α and reduced widths of the narrow high-lying resonant states in ³²S. The experimentally observed states display both the negative- and the positive-parity rotational-like sequences with seemingly no parity splitting, a finding which is at variance with most potential-model predictions. The deduced effective moment of inertia indicates a more extended structure than the ground-state configuration. The observed strength of each ℓ-value is analyzed in terms of an underlying split doorway state of Lorentzian form, which yields an interpretation as fragmented rotational α + ²⁸Si states. Received: 26 June 2000 / Accepted: 16 September 2002 / Published online: 4 February 2003 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: kkallman@abo.fi RID="b" ID="b"Present address: Swedish Polytechnic, FIN-65200 Vasa, Finland. Communicated by D. Guerreau     

Visualization of 2-μm radiation by BiF<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Ho<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and BiF<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Ho<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ceramics

A series of ceramic samples of the compositions BiF₃:1%Ho³⁺, BiF₃:4%Ho³⁺, BiF₃:1%Ho³⁺ + 1%Yb³⁺, and BiF₃:1%Ho³⁺ + 3%Yb³⁺ is synthesized and the conversion of Tm:YLF laser radiation (λ = 1908 nm) is studied. The luminescence spectra exhibit bands in the regions of 490, 545, and 650 nm. The kinetic measurements of the afterglow of the green and red bands show that the population of the ⁵S₂ and ⁵F₄ states in the BiF₃:1%Ho³⁺ samples occurs due to successive absorption of excitation photons, while the ⁵F₅ level of Ho³⁺ is populated due to the ion–ion interaction. Codoping with Yb³⁺ leads to a decrease in the visualization threshold power density to 2 W/cm².     

(EC + β<Superscript>+</Superscript>) decays of the 11/2<Superscript>-</Superscript> isomer and 1/2<Superscript>+</Superscript> ground state of <Superscript>143</Superscript>Dy

The 1/2⁺ ground state and a 11/2^- isomer of very neutron-deficient isotope ¹⁴³Dy were produced by irradiation of an enriched target of ¹⁰⁶Cd with ⁴⁰Ca and studied by using a helium-jet fast tape-transport system in combination with proton-γ, X-γ and γ-γ coincidence measurements. A simple ( EC + β⁺) decay scheme of ^143mDy with a half-life of 3.0(3) s and a tentative ( EC + β⁺) decay scheme of ^143gDy with a half-life of 5.6(10) s are proposed. As a by-product, the 347- and 545-keV γ transitions in ¹³⁸Sm following the β-delayed proton emission of ¹³⁹Gd decay and the 323-keV γ transition in ¹³⁹Eu following the β-delayed proton emission of ¹⁴⁰Tb decay could be observed for the first time. Received: 20 August 2002 / Accepted: 28 October 2002 / Published online: 11 February 2003 RID="a" ID="a"e-mail: xsw@ns.lzb.ac.cn Communicated by D. Schwalm     

Processes e<Superscript>+</Superscript>e<Superscript>−</Superscript> → π<Superscript>0</Superscript>(π<Superscript>0</Superscript>′) γ in extended NJL model

The processes of electron-positron annihilation into π⁰γ and into π′(1300)γ are considered within an extended NJL model. The intermediate vector mesons ρ ⁰, ω ρ′(1450), and ω(1420) are taken into account. The latter two mesons are treated as the first radial excited states. They are incorporated into the NJL model by means of a polynomial form factor. Numerical predictions for the cross-sections of these processes are received for the center-of-mass energies below 2 GeV. Our results for the π⁰γ production are in agreement with experimental data obtained in the energy region 600–1020 MeV.     

The evaluation of the branching ratios of the decays φ(1020)→2π<Superscript>+</Superscript>2π<Superscript>−</Superscript>π<Superscript>0</Superscript>, π<Superscript>+</Superscript>π<Superscript>−</Superscript>3π<Superscript>0</Superscript>

Combining the Okubo-Zweig-Iizuka rule in the decay φ→ρπ→π⁺π^?π⁰ with the ρ→4π decay amplitudes, we calculate the φ→2π⁺2π^?π⁰ and φ→π⁺π^?3π⁰ ones. The partial widths of the above φ decays are evaluated, and the excitation curves in e⁺e^? annihilation are obtained, assuming reasonable particular relations among the parameters characterizing the anomalous terms of the HLS Lagrangian. The evaluated branching ratios B_φ→π⁺_π^?_3π⁰ ≈ 2 × 10^?7 and B_φ→2π⁺_2π^?_π⁰ ≈ 7 × 10^?7 are such that, with the luminosity L=500 pb^?1 attained at DAΦNE φ factory, one may already possess about 1685 events of the decays φ→5π.     

Exclusive ωπ<Superscript>0</Superscript> production with muons<Superscript>⋆</Superscript>

Using 160GeV muon scattering data collected with the COMPASS experiment at CERN, the exclusive production of ωπ⁰ via virtual photons was studied. Selective population of a peak around 1250MeV is observed. Possible contributions from spin-parity 1^- are searched for, inspecting decay angular correlations. In particular, the orientation of the ω decay plane may allow a distinction from the 1⁺ b ₁(1235) state. Our observation is compared with indications of a (1250) in annihilation and in γp . Original article based on material presented at HADRON 2007.     

Charge transfer in energetic Li<Superscript>2+</Superscript>–H and He<Superscript>+</Superscript>–He<Superscript>+</Superscript> collisions

The total cross sections for charge transfer in Li²⁺-H and He⁺-He⁺ collisions have been calculated, using the four body first Born approximation with correct boundary conditions (CB1-4B) and four body continuum distorted wave method (CDW-4B) in the energy range 10–5000 keV/amu. The role of dynamic electron correlations is examined as a function of the impact energy. The present results call for additional experimental data at higher impact energies than presently available.     

Inversion of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">K</Emphasis><Superscript>π</Superscript>=1<Superscript>−</Superscript> states in <Superscript>156</Superscript>Gd and <Superscript>170</Superscript>Yb

For the ¹⁵⁶Gd and ¹⁷⁰Yb nuclei, where the inversion of levels in the K^π=1^? bands is observed, the energies of rotational levels are calculated on the basis of the Coriolis interaction model for the states of two bands whose quantum numbers are K^π=1^?. New 0^? levels are introduced in ¹⁷⁰Yb, and the structure of ¹⁷⁰Er is refined. The interaction parameters calculated for six nuclei are considered within the structure predicted by the quasiparticle-phonon model.