Spectroscopy of Eu-doped Lu2O3-based X-ray phosphor

Nanoparticulate powders of Eu-doped Lu2O3 were prepared using combustion process and glycine as a fuel. Such powders could be relatively easily sintered to translucent bodies at 1700 degreesC. Excitation and emission spectra were recorded for both types of the materials. The excitation spectra revealed the existence of much more efficient energy transfer from the host to the dopant in the sintered ceramics. Strong variations in the relative intensities of the excitation transitions are seen when comparing the powder and its sintered analog. This was explained assuming preferential occupation of the C-3i site in the glycine-derived powder in comparison with the pellets. Most profound emission under X-ray excitation was found for the sintered ceramic doped with 5% of Eu. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.