Synthesis, characterization and luminescence studies in ZrO2:Dy3+ and ZrO2:Dy3+, Gd3+ films deposited by the Pyrosol method

ZrO2, ZrO2:Dy3+ and ZrO2:Dy3+, Gd3+ films were synthesized using the Pyrosol technique. These films have a ZrO2-metastable tetragonal crystalline structure, which is better defined as the deposition temperature increases. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence properties of these films were studied as a function of deposition parameters such as substrate temperature and Dy3+ and Gd3+ relative concentrations. All luminescent emission spectra showed the typical electronic transitions 4f → 4f of the Dy3+ ions at 480, 574 and 655 nm. The luminescent intensity is observed to increase with the Dy3+ ion concentration up to 7 at.% in the spraying solution (1.8 at.% inside films), higher concentration result in an inhibition of the luminescence. Incorporation of Gd3+ ions in ZrO2:Dy3+ films produced a marked increase in the luminescent emission intensity (approximately 15 times). The elemental composition and surface morphology of these films are also reported.