Crystal-field study of Sm 3+ ions in Sm 2O 3, Sm 3+:Gd 2O 3 and Sm 3+:Y 2O 3

Abstract

Raman active phonons and Sm 3+ crystal field excitations have been studied in Sm 2O 3 types B and C, and 3, 10 and 30% Sm 3+ doped Gd 2O 3 and Y 2O 3. The phonons of each type exhibit a one-mode behavior as a function of concentration and a relatively broad linewidth. CF excitations corresponding to the 6 H 5/2→ 6 H 7/2, 6H 9/2, 6H 11/2, 6H 13/2, 4F 3/2, and 4G 5/2 intermuliplet transitions have been detected in both types and associated on the one hand with the three Sm 3+ inequivalent C s site-symmetry in the B-type; and on the other hand, with the Sm 3+ C 2 site-symmetry in the C-type. Finally, in both types, a strong luminescence, which is broadened in the B-type is observed around 16,450 cm −1.