Luminescence characteristics of Lu 0.8Sc 0.2BO 3:RE 3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) polycrystalline powders

Abstract

Lu 0.8Sc 0.2BO 3:RE 3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) polycrystalline powders were prepared by high temperature solid state reaction method. The X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed that the doped materials were all monophasic solid solution powders. The influences of activator ion (Eu 3+ or Tb 3+) concentration on the photoluminescence and radioluminescence characteristics were investigated and discussed. The Tb 3+ doped materials showed excellent light yields than Eu 3+ doped materials under X-ray excitation. The fluorescence decay times of the optimal materials excited by UV were measured. Their defect properties were studied by thermoluminescence (TL) as a function of temperature (300–600 K) and the corresponding trap depth, frequency factor and detrapping time were theoretically calculated. The Eu 3+ and Tb 3+ ions were the unique recombination centers in corresponding samples. In addition, considering their attracting luminescence properties and excellent physical properties (high-density and non-hygroscope), the Lu 0.8Sc 0.2BO 3:RE 3+ (RE = Eu, Tb) can be used for X-ray medical imaging system, hence their crystal growth and characterizations deserve further investigation.