Synchrotron radiation studies on luminescence of Eu2+-doped LaCl3 microcrystals embedded in a NaCl matrix

LaCl3:Eu2+ microcrystals dispersed in the NaCl matrix have been obtained in the NaCl–LaCl3(1 mol.%)–EuCl3(0.1 mol.%) crystalline system. The low-temperature luminescent properties of these microcrystals have been studied upon the VUV and UV excitation by the synchrotron radiation. The spectroscopic parameters as well as decay time constants of Eu2+-doped LaCl3 host have been established. The excitation mechanism of divalent europium centers through energy transfer and reabsorption is discussed.