Optical Properties of Nanocrystalline Y2O3:Eu3+

Abstract

Optical properties of nanocrystalline red-emitting phosphor, Europium doped Yttria (Y$_{2}$O$_{3}$:Eu$^{3+})$, of average particle size 15 nm are investigated. The intensity of the strongest emission line at 612 nm is found to be highest in the nanocrystalline sample with 4 at. wt. % of Europium. The narrow electronic emission spectrum suggests a crystalline surrounding in this nanomaterial. We have estimated the strength of the crystal field parameter at the dopant site, which plays a crucial role in determining the appearance of the intense emission line. The equilibrium temperature of this system has also been calculated from the intensity ratio of Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman scattering. Though known for the bulk samples, our approach and consequent results on the crystalline nanomaterial of Y$_{2}$O$_{3}$:Eu$^{3+}$ provide a unique report, which, we believe, can be of considerable significance in nanotechnology.the intensity ratio of Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman scattering. Though known for the bulk samples, our approach and consequent results on the crystalline, defect/disorder free nanomaterial of Y2O3:Eu3+ provides a unique report which, we believe, can be of considerable significance in nanotechnology.