Modulation of the optical properties of Pr3+-doped Y 2O3 ceramics by Zr doping

Abstract

The photoluminescence properties of 0.2% Pr3+-doped (Y 1-0.01 x Zr0.01x)2O3, (x = 0, 0.1, 1, 3, 4.5, 6) ceramics were investigated. The luminescence intensity due to the transition from the 3P0 level increased drastically when the Zr content x increased, which is completely quenched in Y2O 3:Pr3+ (x = 0) due to the thermal relaxation through the lowest 5d level of the Pr3+ ion. By monitoring at 630 nm ( 1D2→3H4), we found that the 4f-5d photoluminescence excitation bands for Pr3+ in the two six-fold sites [C2 and S6 in the Y2O 3:Pr3+ (x = 0)] were observed at approximately 300 and 340 nm. On the other hand, when monitored at 510 nm (3P 0→3H4), the Zr-doped samples showed an additional 4f-5d band at 280 nm. Based on these results, we concluded that the 3P0 luminescence is from Pr3+ in a seven-fold site, which is generated by incorporation of an additional oxygen via a defect chemical reaction, 2ZrO2Y2O3→ 2Zr Y• + Oi" + 3Oox. © 2014 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.