The structural and luminescent properties of Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+Â +Â Lu2O3 crystal phosphors prepared by colloid chemical synthesis

The crystal structure and spectral luminescent properties of composite phosphors Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ + Lu2O3 synthesised by colloid chemical approach have been studied by means of X-ray and neutron powder diffraction and optical spectroscopy methods. The formation of stable defect structures on the phase boundary between Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ and Lu2O3 evidenced. A redistribution of optically active Ce3+ ions between initial Lu3Al5O12 and lutetium oxide Lu2O3 phase occurs during the colloid chemical synthesis, resulting in suppression of luminescence intensity. The modification of luminescent properties by Lu2O3 doping in Lu3Al5O12:Ce3+ + Lu2O3 is drastically different in comparison with Y3Al5O12:Ce3+ + Lu2O3. The chemical and structural mechanisms of Lu2O3 doping effects on luminescence properties of lutetium and yttrium garnet-based compounds are discussed.