Luminescence properties of solid solutions LuxY1-xPO4:Eu3+

Solid solutions LuxY1-xPO4 doped with Eu3+ were synthesized by the sol-gel method. Luminescence spectra under UV and X-ray excitation and luminescence excitation spectra in the UV-VUV energy range are presented. Observed variations of the structure of 4f-4f Eu3+ lines with the composition of the solid solution are explained by the fluctuations in the distribution of substitutional cations. The role of electronic structure modification in the fundamental absorption region with changing Y/Lu ratio is discussed and is suggested as the origin of different efficiency of energy transfer to Eu3+ in this region. Temperature dependence of the luminescence yield is related to the competition between emission centers and traps.