Measurement of host-to-activator transfer efficiency in nano-crystalline Y2O3:Eu3+ under VUV excitation

We have conducted a systematic study of the excitation and reflectance spectra of nano-crystalline Y2O3:Eu prepared by combustion synthesis. Excitation through the host lattice becomes relatively more efficient as the firing temperature of the precursor is increased, while reflectance properties remain essentially unchanged. Using these data, host-to-activator transfer efficiencies were calculated for excitation at the band edge of Y2O3, and evaluated using a competition kinetics model. From this analysis we conclude that the relatively low luminous efficiency of these materials is due more to poor bulk crystallinity than to surface loss effects.

Graphical abstractThe low luminous efficiency of nano-crystalline Y2O3:Eu3+ prepared by combustion synthesis is due to poor bulk crystallinity rather than surface loss effects.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We report on the optical properties of Y2O3:Eu3+ prepared by combustion synthesis. ► Host-to-activator transfer efficiencies under VUV excitation were calculated. ► The low luminous efficiency of these materials is due to poor bulk crystallinity.