Spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility analyses of the FJ and D4 energy levels of Tb(4f) in TbAlO3

Detailed analyses of spectroscopic and temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility data are reported for the crystal-field split energy levels of the ⁷F_J and ⁵D₄ of Tb³⁺ in stoichiometric single crystals of ortho-aluminate TbAlO₃. The spectroscopic data include absorption spectra obtained between 2940 and 480 nm from 8 to 300 K. High resolution fluorescence spectra are reported, representing transitions from ⁵D₄ to ⁷F_6,5,4, at a sample temperature of 85 K. Using crystal-field modeling techniques recently adapted for low symmetry systems, we have assigned all 58 experimental Stark levels within the ⁷F_J and ⁵D₄ manifolds, with a fitting standard deviation of 4.5 cm⁻¹ (3.8 cm⁻¹ rms error). As a further test, the theoretical Stark levels and calculated wavefunctions were used to determine the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility along the c-axis of the TbAlO₃ crystal. Good agreement is obtained between the calculated susceptibility and temperature-dependent magnetic data reported earlier, including a prediction of a 0.2 cm⁻¹ splitting of the ground-state quasi-doublet. The susceptibility calculation also confirms the predicted ordering of states within the ⁷F₆ multiplet manifold.     

Investigation of crystallographic sites of Eu in La2BaZnO5 by site-selective laser-excitation spectroscopy

La₂BaZnO₅:Eu³⁺ (0.05 mol%) was prepared by a solid-state reaction at high temperature. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of single phase La₂BaZnO₅. Luminescence properties of La₂BaZnO₅:Eu³⁺ are investigated by site-selective laser-excitation and emission spectroscopy at 18 K. Two different crystallographic sites for Eu³⁺ corresponding to the La³⁺ and Ba²⁺ sites are identified from the ⁷F₀→⁵D₀ excitation spectra obtained by monitoring the ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=1, 2, …, 6) emissions. It is found that Eu³⁺ substituted for the Ba²⁺ ion experiences stronger crystal-field strength than Eu³⁺ substituted for the La³⁺ ion. Energy transfer between the two crystallographic Eu³⁺ centers is investigated by luminescence decay curves at 18 K.     

Optical and fluorescence spectroscopy of Eu2O3-doped P2O5-K2O-KF-MO-Al2O3 (M = Mg, Sr and Ba) glasses

Fluorophosphate glasses of composition, P₂O₅ + K₂O + KF + MO + Al₂O₃ + xEu₂O₃ (M = Mg, Sr and Ba; x = 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 mol%) were prepared and characterized their optical properties. Crystal-field (CF) analysis revealed a relatively weak CF strength around Eu³⁺ ions in the Ba based fluorophosphate glasses. The Judd-Ofelt parameters have been estimated from the oscillator strengths of ⁷F₀ → ⁵D₂, ⁷F₀ → ⁵D₄ and ⁷F₀ → ⁵L₆ absorption transitions of Eu³⁺ ions and were used to evaluate the radiative properties of the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_J (J = 0-4) transitions. Considerable variation has been observed in the relative intensity ratio of ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transitions of Eu³⁺ ions due to change in the alkaline earth metal ions. The decay of the ⁵D₀ level shows single exponential and less sensitive to Eu³⁺ ions concentration as well as MgO/SrO/BaO modifiers.     

Synthesis and luminescence investigation of RE (Eu, Tb and Ce)-doped lithium silicate (Li2SiO3)

Synthesis and photoluminescence (PL) investigations of lithium metasilicate doped with Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺ and Ce³⁺ were carried out. PL spectra of Eu-doped sample showed peaks corresponding to the ⁵D₀→⁷F_j (j=1, 2, 3 and 4) transitions under ultraviolet excitation. Strong red emission coming from the hypersensitive ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ transition of Eu³⁺ ion suggested the presence of the dopant ion in structurally disordered environment. Tb³⁺-doped silicate sample showed blue-green emission corresponding to the ⁵D₄→⁷F_j (j=6, 5 and 4) transitions. Ce-doped sample under excitation from UV, showed a broad emission band in the region 350-370 nm with shoulders around 410 nm. The fluorescence lifetimes of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions were found out to be 790 and 600 μs, respectively. For Ce³⁺, the lifetime was of the order of 45 ns. PL spectra of the europium- and terbium-doped samples were compared with commercial red (Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺) and green (LaPO₄:Tb³⁺) phosphors, respectively. It was found that the emission from the doped silicate sample was 37% of the commercial phosphor in case of the Tb-doped sample and 8% of the commercial phosphor in case of the Eu-doped sample.     

Comparative structural and photoluminescent study of Eu-doped La2O3 and La(OH)3 nanocrystalline powders

Eu³⁺-doped La₂O₃ nanocrystalline powder was prepared by polymer complex solution method and further used for preparation of Eu³⁺-doped La(OH)₃. Structural and optical characterization was carried out by powder X-ray diffraction and photoluminescent spectroscopy. XRD measurements confirmed the formation of hexagonal La₂O₃ and its recrystallization into La(OH)₃ in a humid atmosphere. Excitation spectra show redshift of host lattice and charge transfer emission bands in La(OH)₃ while bands that correspond to Eu³⁺f–f transitions are placed at same wavelengths in both samples. Photoluminescence spectra recorded over the temperature range from 10 K to 300 K show that intensities of emission lines in Eu³⁺-doped La₂O₃ do not depend on temperature as much as in La(OH)₃ sample. Observed dominant ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ and markedly visible ⁵D₀→⁷F₀ emissions in doped La₂O₃ indicate that Eu³⁺ ion is located in a structural site without an inversion center. On the other hand, in Eu³⁺-doped La(OH)₃⁵D₀→⁷F₀ transition is barely visible while ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ is not prominent, and with temperature drop three ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=1, 2, 4) transitions become almost of the same intensity. In both La₂O₃ and La(OH)₃ structures Eu³⁺ ion replaces La³⁺ in non-centrosymmetric C_3v and C_3h crystallographic sites, respectively, and difference in symmetry of the crystal field around europium ion is explained by comparing shape and volume of these sites. Decay times of the ⁵D₀- level recorded over the temperature range 10−300 K revealed that emission lifetime values in La₂O₃ (~0.7 ms) are almost two times higher than in La(OH)₃ (~0.4 ms), and unlike in La₂O₃, lifetime in La(OH)₃ is temperature dependent.     

Laser spectroscopy of Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript> cubic centers in the CaF<Subscript>2</Subscript> bulk single crystal

The optical transitions ⁵ D _{0, 1} → ⁷ F _J (J = 0, 1, ..., 6) of Eu³⁺ cubic centers in the CaF₂ single crystal are investigated using combined excitation and emission spectroscopy at different time delays after the excitation pulse. The energies of the Stark sublevels of the ⁷ F _J ground states are determined.     

The pure rotational spectrum of Difluoroiodomethane, CHF2I

The pure rotational spectrum of CHF₂I has been recorded for the first time, in a supersonic expansion in the region 1.7-17 GHz, and at room-temperature in the region 302-318 GHz. The observed transitions span the values of J^″ from 0 up to 67. Precise rotational and centrifugal distortion constants have been determined. Furthermore, the complete iodine nuclear electric quadrupole coupling tensor, in the inertial and principal axes, has been determined. Quantum chemical calculations have been performed to aid with the analysis. Iodine quadrupole mediated perturbations have resulted in the following observations: (i) several transitions having enhanced intensities and (ii) the observation of several forbidden, ΔJ=±2, transitions. Comparisons in electronic structure are made between the series of molecules CH_3-nF_nX; and X = Cl, Br, I.     

Vibronic and Raman spectra of Y(Eu3+) polytantalate, EuxY1?xTa7O19

Luminescence spectra, luminescence excitation spectra, and Raman spectra of polycrystalline Eu_0.9Y_0.1Ta₇O₁₉ were studied. Zero-phonon lines and vibronic sidebands of the ⁷ F ₀−⁵ D ₂ and ⁷ F ₀−⁵ D ₀ transitions were identified and the Stark splittings of several ⁷ F _J and ⁵ D _J , states of Eu³⁺ ions were investigated. The details of the structure of lanthanide polytantalates and the reduction of the luminescence quenching are discussed. Original Text ? Astro, Ltd., 2007.     

Luminescence properties of novel NaBa4(BO3)3:Ce, Eu phosphors

Novel Eu³⁺, Ce³⁺ activated NaBa₄(BO₃)₃ phosphors were synthesized by solid-state reactions. The excitation spectrum of NaBa₄(BO₃)₃:Ce³⁺ consists of an intense band peaking at 350 nm and a weak band in the higher energy side, and the emission spectrum exhibits a blue band with a maximum at about 420 nm. The Eu³⁺ emission in NaBa₄(BO₃)₃ consists of the transitions from ⁵D₀ to ⁷F_J, and the excitation spectrum consists of broad excitation band peaking at 270 nm and some intense narrow lines. The optimum doped concentration, the critical distance of the concentration quenching, and the fluorescence lifetime have also been investigated.     

A potential reddish orange emitting phosphor Ca2BO3Cl:Eu for white light-emitting diodes

A series of phosphors Ca₂BO₃Cl:Eu³⁺ were synthesized by using a high-temperature solid-state reaction technique, and their UV–vis luminescence properties were investigated. The f–f transitions of Eu³⁺ in the host lattice were assigned and discussed. The excitation and emission spectra indicate that this phosphor can be effectively excited by ultraviolet (394 nm), and exhibit reddish orange emission corresponding to the ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=0, 1, 2) transitions of Eu³⁺. The influence of the doping concentration and charge compensators on the relative emission intensity of Eu³⁺ was investigated, and the optimum doping concentration is 0.04. The critical distance R_c was estimated to be 17.1 Å in terms of the concentration quenching data. The present study suggests that Ca₂BO₃Cl:Eu³⁺ can be a potential candidate as an UV-convertible phosphor for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs).     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of oleic acid (OA)-modified CaF2: Eu nanocrystals

The OA-modified CaF₂: Eu nanocrystals that can be well dispersed in chloroform to form a clear solution were synthesized and characterized. The nanocrystals have a roughly spherical shape with particle diameter of about 10 nm. Possible mechanism was proposed to explain the growth process. Upon the excitation at 395 nm, the room-temperature emission spectrum of the nanocrystals in chloroform presents the characteristic transitions ⁵D₀→⁷F_J of Eu³⁺ ions, with ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ (610 nm) transition as the most prominent group. The luminescence decay of Eu³⁺ ions in CaF₂ nanocrystals was also investigated and two luminescence lifetimes of 737 μs (11.2%) and 2.08 ms (88.8%) were obtained.     

Luminescence and crystal-field fitting of two optical isomeric complexes of europium

FT-IR and Raman vibrational spectra and electronic emission spectra have been recorded for enantiomers of europium complexes with DBM: dibenzoylmethanate 1,2, and TTFA: 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate 3,4, employing the chiral ligands L_SS(+)- and L_RR(-)-4,5-pinene bipyridine. Contrary to the previously published X-ray data, where geometrical differences were stated to occur for particular enantiomers, the vibrational (and the emission) spectra of the individual optical isomers of a complex are not distinguishable. Using excitation into the Eu³⁺⁵D₂ multiplet term, the emission intensity is weak from ⁵D₁, whereas a complex structure is observed for the ⁵D₀→⁷F_J transitions. Features in the vibronic sidebands exhibit similar derived vibrational energies to those observed in the Raman spectra. Fittings of 25 4f⁶ crystal-field energy levels of 2 and 4 have been attempted with some approximations concerning the local Eu³⁺ environments. The ⁵D₀ emission lifetimes are monoexponential and are 0.5 (1,2) and 0.9 ms (3,4) at room temperature.     

Specific heat of EuIn2P2 at high magnetic fields

We have carried out specific heat measurements on EuIn₂P₂ at high magnetic fields perpendicular to the c-axis in the hexagonal crystal structure in order to understand its thermal properties. The temperature dependence of the specific heat exhibits a clear λ-type anomaly due to a magnetic transition at , indicating that the magnetic transition is of second-order. The λ-type anomaly becomes markedly broader with increasing the magnetic field. This remarkable field-dependence is consistent with the results of previous magnetization measurements which suggest that Eu²⁺ magnetic moments align ferromagnetically perpendicular to the c-axis below T_C. In addition, a hump in the specific heat is observed around 7 K, which can be ascribed to the Zeeman splitting of the Eu²⁺ multiplet by internal magnetic fields.     

Probing Rb MOT in 5P3/2(F = 4) → 5D5/2(F′) transitions. In search for effective Rabi frequency

The aim of this work was to provide a simple justification and applicability limits for the concept of effective Rabi frequency being related to an average atom-field interaction in MOT. We sampled ⁸⁵Rb MOT with a weak probe beam tuned across the 5P_3/2 (F′ = 4) → 5D_5/2(F″ = 3, 4, 5) hyperfine transitions, while the 5S_1/2(F = 3) → 5P_3/2(F′ = 4) transition was driven by the red-detuned trapping beam. The probe absorption spectra were registered for a number of detunings Δ and intensities P of the trapping beam. The Autler-Townes splitting δ of the clearly dominating F′ = 4 → F″ = 5 line was the subject of analysis. The character of the space-dependent interactions of atoms with MOT fields is of a complex nature, which brings the notion of the effective Rabi frequency for MOT into challenge. However, we argue that for the range of the typical values of P and Δ, it is justified to characterize MOT with an effective Rabi frequency Ω_0eff, by using the intuitive formula , where is a mean scaling factor experimentally determined, basing on predictions of a straightforward 3-level model. We postulate that our simple procedure, providing both the value and the applicability limits of the approach, should be repeated with each new implementation of MOT (e.g., with trap beams realignment), which may change conditions experienced by cold atoms.     

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.     

Novel phosphors of Eu, Tb or Bi activated Gd2GeO5

Novel phosphors of or Bi³⁺ doped Gd₂GeO₅ were synthesized and their photoluminescent and cathodoluminescent properties were investigated. (Gd_1−xEu_x)₂GeO₅ and (Gd_1−xTb_x)₂GeO₅ formed continuous solid solution in the range of x=0.0-1.0. Gd₂GeO₅:Eu³⁺ and Gd₂GeO₅:Bi³⁺ presented bright red and blue luminescence for both UV and cathode ray excitation, respectively. While Gd₂GeO₅:Tb³⁺ gave bright green cathodoluminescence. In all three phosphors, the energy transfer from Gd³⁺ to activators (e.g. or Bi³⁺) occurred.     

Rotational levels of the (0 0 0) and (0 1 0) states of D2O from hot emission spectra in the 320-860 cm region

The far-infrared emission spectra of deuterated water vapour were measured at different temperatures (1370, 1520, and 1950 K) in the range 320-860 cm⁻¹ at a resolution of 0.0055 cm⁻¹. The measurements were performed in an alumina cell with an effective length of hot gas of about 50 cm. More than 1150 new measured lines for the D₂¹⁶O molecule corresponding to transitions between highly excited rotational levels of the (0 0 0) and (0 1 0) vibrational states are reported. These new lines correspond to rotational states with higher values of the rotational quantum numbers compared to previously published determinations: J_max=26 and for the (0 0 0) ← (0 0 0) band, J_max=25 and for the (0 1 0) ← (0 1 0) band, and J_max=26 and for the (0 1 0) ← (0 0 0) band. The estimated accuracy of the measured line positions is 0.0005 cm⁻¹. To our knowledge no experimentally measured rotational transitions for D₂¹⁶O within an excited vibrational state have been available in the literature so far. An extended set of experimental rotational energy levels for (0 0 0) and (0 1 0) vibration states including all previously available data has been determined. For the data reduction we used the generating function model. The root mean square (RMS) deviation between observed and calculated values is 0.0012 cm⁻¹ for 692 rotational levels of the (0 0 0) state and 0.0010 cm⁻¹ for 639 rotational levels of the (0 1 0) vibrational state. A comparison of the observed energy levels with the best available values from the literature and with the global predictions from molecular electronic potential energy surface [J. Chem. Phys. 106 (1997) 4618] for the (0 0 0) and (0 1 0) states is discussed.     

Sol-gel synthesis and photoluminescence of CaSiO3:Eu nanophosphors using novel silicate sources

In this paper, seven kinds of silane coupling reagents were employed as silicate sources to prepare CaSiO₃:Eu³⁺ phosphors by the sol-gel method. The different silicate precursors were used to adjust the microstructure and size of the resulting phosphors. The crystallite size of phosphors is in the range of 30-35 nm and some of them show regular microstructure after high-temperature thermolysis. The photoluminescence properties show that all of them exhibit the characteristic fluorescence ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=0, 1, 2, 3, 4) of the Eu³⁺ ion and the strongest one is the red emission at 610 nm. Furthermore, the emission quantum efficiency (η) of the ⁵D₀ Eu³⁺ excited state has been calculated to be around 33% from the emission spectrum and the lifetime of the Eu³⁺ first excited level (τ, ⁵D₀).     

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.