Luminescence and optical absorption studies of submicro-dimensional cerium ortho- and metaphosphates doped with Eu3+ ions

Pechini method has been applied for synthesis of the phosphates in the submicro-state. Dimensions of the obtained grains by this method fall into the 100-1000 nm range. The following samples have been synthesised: stoichiometric orthophosphate Na3Ce(PO4)2 and metaphosphate NaCe(PO3)4 both doped with 2 and 5% of Eu3+. Optical absorption and emission studies have been performed to characterise the properties and structure of the compounds studied. The electronic characteristics of the Ce3+ and Eu3+ ions in these materials have been discussed.