Preparation and characterization of nanoscale lutetium aluminium garnet (LuAG) powders doped by Eu3+

Nanoscale powders of Lu3Al5O12:Eu were synthesized by a standard precipitation process using (NH4)HCO3. Characterisation of the nanocrystalline particles was done with respect to particle morphology and luminescence spectra. The mean particle diameter was reduced by means of a dispersing additive during the precipitation process. A procedure was developed to gain particles in the particle size range of 20–50 nm. Additionally, the reactivity of the precipitated precursor could be enhanced to such an extent that phase transformation into the garnet phase takes place at 900 °C. The optical properties of the doped nanoscale lutetium garnet are identical with microscale powders. Eu3+ doped nanoscale lutetium garnet showed quantum efficiencies up to 40%.