Radiationless transitions in solutions: Isotope and proximity effects on Dy3+ by C–H and C–N bonds

Abstract

The lifetime and quantum yield of fluorescence from the 4F9/2 level of Dy3+ have been measured in perprotonated and perdeuterated dimethylsulfoxide and methylcyanide under various excitation conditions. The results are compared to those obtained in light and heavy water and with other rare earth ions and discussed with reference to the modified energy gap law in the theory of radiationless transitions. The specific energy gap in Dy3+ is such that efficiency of quenching depends on matching the electronic energy gap of the ion by a single vibration of C–H, C–D, or C–N and on the distance of the bond from the ion.