Luminescence response of neodymium ions to phase transformations in yttria-based solid-solution nanopowders

Abstract

Subject of study. In this paper, we describe the luminescence properties of nanopowders of composition (Nd0.008Y0.992)2O3, (Nd0.008Y0.992)2O3+6mol%ZrO2, and (Nd0.008Gd0.496Y0.496)2O3+5mol.%ZrO2 with various percentages of monoclinic and cubic phases. Method. Photoluminescence and pulsed cathodoluminescence spectra are recorded, followed by interpretation of the results obtained. Main results. In the process of studying the luminescence bands corresponding to the 4F3/2→4I9/2 and 4F3/2→4I11/2 energy transitions for neodymium ions in nanopowder crystalline lattices, we identify several spectroscopic and kinetic properties that can be used to identify the substances and determine the crystal phases present. We show that there is slight broadening of the spectral lines in the continuum base of the 4F3/2→4I11/2 manifold; the intensity level below which the bands merge into a continuum increases as the amount of structural disorder caused by the zirconium- and gadolinium-ion dopants in the Y2O3 increases. Practical significance. The distinctive features of the photoluminescence spectra and the kinetics of neodymium-ion luminescence in the 4F3/2→4I9/2 and 4F3/2→4I11/2 bands can be used for unique identification of the substances present and determination of the crystal phases thereof; this will be of practical interest in the development of high-bandwidth ceramic active elements.