Gamma-radiation effects on luminescence properties of Eu3+ activated LaPO4 phosphor

Eu3+ activated LaPO4 phosphors were prepared by a high-temperature solid-state method and irradiated to different high-doses gamma-radiation in the 0-4 MGy range. No effects of high-doses of high-energy radiation on phosphor's morphology and structure were observed, as documented by electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements. On the other hand, photoluminescence measurements showed that emission properties of phosphor were affected by gamma-radiation; changes in radiative properties being prominent for absorbed radiation doses up to 250 kGy after which no additional changes are observed. Judd-Ofelt analysis of emission spectra is performed to thoroughly investigate radiative properties of phosphors. Analysis showed that radiative transition probability of Eu3+ emission decreases while non-radiative probability increases upon gamma-irradiation. Quantum efficiency of emission is decreased from about 46% to 35% when Eu3+ doped LaPO4 powders are exposed to gamma-radiation of 250 kGy dose, showing no additional decrease for higher gamma-radiation doses.