Eu3+ As a Luminescent Probe for Studying the Structure of R2O3 Materials (R = Y, Eu, and Gd)

Abstract

Spectra of Eu³⁺ in various dielectric matrices (Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Y₂O₃:Eu³⁺, Eu₂O₃, and mSiO₂/Gd₂O₃:Eu³⁺ mesoporous particles) are studied by local cathodoluminescence. The results allowed identification of the local environment of Er³⁺ ions in amorphous samples and detection of the monoclinic Eu₂O₃ phase impurity in samples with yttrium oxide. The cathodoluminescence spectra of chemically pure Y₂O₃, Eu₂O₃, and Gd₂O₃ are recorded. Conclusions about the structural features of the materials are made and confirmed by other methods (XRD and EPMA).