Alpha-particle-induced luminescence of rare-earth-doped Y2O3 nanophosphors |
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Authors: | Cory D Cress Christopher S Redino |
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Institution: | a NanoPower Research Laboratories at the Rochester Institute of Technology, 85 Lomb Memorial Road, Rochester, NY 14623, USA b Microsystems Engineering Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY 14623, USA |
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Abstract: | The feasibility of utilizing Y2O3:Tb3+ and Y2O3:Eu3+ as radioluminescent nanophosphors under alpha-particle excitation is investigated. Materials synthesized by the urea homogeneous precipitation method were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The XRD analysis of as-produced precipitates and nanophosphors fired at temperatures ranging from 950 to 1100 °C indicated the presence of highly crystalline cubic Y2O3 with crystallite sizes of ∼40 nm. SEM and TEM analysis revealed that particles with average diameters of ∼200 nm and comprised of ∼40 nm grains were obtained. High-resolution radioluminescence and photoluminescence spectra were used to investigate the unwanted radioluminescence saturation effects associated with the high ionization rate of alpha-particles. Additionally, the radioluminescence intensity as a function of rare-earth ion dopant concentration is investigated for these materials under alpha-particle excitation. The prospect for utilizing these materials as intermediate absorbers in indirect-conversion radioisotope batteries is discussed. |
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Keywords: | Yttria Radioluminescence Radioisotope battery Rare earth Nanophosphors Alpha-particle detection |
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