Effects of atmosphere and temperature on luminescence property of YAG:Ce synthesized by co-precipitation method

Ce-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG)-based crystal powders were synthesized using a co-precipitation method. The effects of the sintering atmosphere and temperature on the luminescence property were investigated using the photoluminescence (PL) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy along with X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The PL and CL results showed that YAG:Ce samples sintered in an inert atmosphere at high temperatures had a higher luminescence intensity around 550 nm related to Ce3+ in the YAG host. The XRD results showed that high temperatures and inert atmosphere conditions were favorable to the growth of the YAG crystal. When the YAG:Ce samples were sintered in an inert atmosphere, the conversion of Ce3+ to Ce4+ could be suppressed effectively. Meanwhile, the CL intensity around 370 nm related to the antisite defects (AD) in the YAG lattice decreased significantly. Therefore, the YAG:Ce samples sintered in an inert atmosphere at high temperatures with a good crystal structure, high Ce3+ concentrations, and less AD had better luminescence properties. YAG:Ce samples synthesized using a co-precipitation method with excellent luminescence properties can be used as fast and efficient scintillation materials.