The phosphorescence of Fe ions in oxide host lattices. Zero-phonon transitions in Fe/LiAl5O8

Phosphorescence and excitation spectra have been measured of Fe³⁺-doped LiAl₅O₈, β-NaAlO₂, Na-silicate glass and crystalline alumino-silicates. All excitation spectra fit quite well the Tanabe-Sugano diagram for a high spin d⁵ configuration. The expected tetrahedral site symmetry of Fe³⁺ in the host lattices and the value of the crystalline field parameter are strong evidence for phosphorescence of Fe³⁺ ions in tetrahedral oxygen coordination.