Luminescence properties and crystallographic sites for Eu3+ ions in fluorthalenite Y3Si3O10F

A novel Y3Si3O10F:Eu3+ phosphor was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Luminescence properties and crystallographic sites for Eu3+ ions in Y3Si3O10F:Eu3+ are investigated by site-selective laser-excitation spectroscopy. The three Eu3+ centers are identified in the 7F0 → 5D0 excitation spectra. The luminescence due to the 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 1, 2) transitions under excitation at each center exhibits its own spectral features and temporal behavior. The crystal-field splitting of the 7F1 and 7F2 multiplets and intensity ratio of the 5D0 → 7F2 to 5D0 → 7F1 emission depend strongly on the crystallographic sites in Y3Si3O10F. The decay time of the 5D0 level is shorter for the site with higher energy. The results are discussed in relation to the site symmetry and the crystal-field strength on Eu3+ in the Y3Si3O10F lattice.

► Y3Si3O10F:Eu3+ phosphor was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions.
► Three luminescence centers for Eu3+ ions in Y3Si3O10F are identified by site-selective laser-excitation spectroscopy.
► Correlation between structural and luminescent properties of Eu3+ in Y3Si3O10F is established.