Structural and spectroscopic properties of YOF:Eu3+ nanocrystals

Synthesis and luminescence properties of yttrium oxyfluorides doped with Eu3+ ions are reported. Modified sol-gel Pechini's method has been used in order to obtain nanocrystalline YOF:Eu3+. X-ray diffraction analysis as well as Rietveld method of crystal structure refinement were used to confirm successful synthesis of single phase products. Eu3+ influence on structure and morphology of YOF matrix has been studied with help of Scherrer equation and transmission electron microscopy. Emission and excitation spectra measurements were performed showing characteristic, spectroscopic properties of Eu3+ ions. Emission decay curves showed a short rise of luminescence being confirmation of energy migration between Eu3+ ions. Calculated luminescence lifetimes and integrated emission intensities were used to further investigation of samples and estimation of Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters.