Synthesis, crystal structure and X-ray excited luminescent properties of LuBa3B9O18

A new compound LuBa3B9O18 has been prepared by a high-temperature solid-state reaction and its crystal structure was determined by powder X-ray diffraction methods. The results of Rietveld refinement show that it is isotypic to YBa3B9O18. The X-ray excited luminescent properties of LuBa3B9O18 were investigated. It shows a broad emission band in the wavelength range of 300-550 nm with peak center at 385 nm. Its room temperature fluorescent decay profile exhibits a single-exponent shape with decay time of 15 ns. It is believed that the lattice defects have played an important role on the luminescent performances of LuBa3B9O18 powders and its thermal luminescence measurement confirmed the existence of lattice defects in it. Considering the emission wavelength, luminescence intensity, decay time, melting point, density and non-hygroscopic property of LuBa3B9O18, one has reason to assume that it might find an application as a new scintillation material.