This review summarizes recent work in nanostructured insulating materials that contain optically active lanthanide ions. These materials find applications in lasers, optical amplifiers, and optical-display phosphors. This review concentrates on the synthesis and luminescence spectroscopy of lanthanide-containing nanostructured particles, films, and composites. Spectroscopic studies range from basic luminescence spectroscopy and quantum efficiency measurements to high-resolution spectroscopic studies that investigate the phonon dynamics and electron−phonon interaction as a function of particle size. This review identifies several areas for further study, including the location, distribution, or segregation of dopants in nanoparticles; the efficiency of energy transfer across interfaces; and the effects of quantum confinement or changes in phonon dynamics and electron−phonon interactions on the radiative and nonradiative relaxation rates in localized luminescent dopants.

Synthesis and luminescence of lanthanide ions in nanoscale insulating hosts

We report the laser spectroscopic characterization of bulk monoclinic Eu3+:Y2O3, which was prepared by a high-temperature, high-pressure synthesis method. The bulk monoclinic phase has sharp spectral lines without the line broadening and “secondary phase” of Eu3+:Y2O3 nanocrystals. The unusual optical properties of site A in this material have been determined to be intrinsic to the monoclinic phase and are not a result of surface effects in the nanocrystals. The 5D0 fluorescence lifetimes are longer in the nanocrystals than in the bulk material, indicating that there is no lifetime shortening in the nanocrystals due to quenching by the proximity of surface defects.

Preparation and Fluorescence Spectroscopy of Bulk Monoclinic Eu3+:Y2O3 and Comparison to Eu3+:Y2O3 Nanocrystals

Nanocrystalline europium doped yttria was synthesized using a chemical vapor technique. The powder was characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and ultraviolet spectroscopy. For the first time it was possible to obtain single phase Y2O3:Eu nanoparticles crystallized in the cubic structure with an average particle size of only 10 nm. The reflection, excitation, and emission spectra were studied. The nanoparticles show blue shifted absorption bands with respect to coarse grained material.

Weiping Zhang

Papers

EXAFS studies of luminescence centres in Eu3+ doped nanoscale phosphors