Emission properties and site occupation of Sm3+ ion doped Lu2O3 translucent ceramics

High resolution spectroscopic measurements from low to room temperatures of Sm3+:Lu2O3 microcrystalline translucent ceramics, prepared by solid-state reaction method, were performed. The presence of Sm3+ in both crystallographic sites of C-2 and C-3i symmetry in Lu2O3 was demonstrated. Though the spectra are dominated by electric-dipole transitions of C-2 centers, Sm3+ in centrosymmetric sites of C-3i symmetry was detected in magnetic-dipole allowed transitions (Delta J = 0, +/- 1) with significant oscillator strengths, (4)G(5/2) -> H-6(5/2), H-6(7/2) in emission and H-6(5/2) -> F-4(5/2) in excitation spectra by a quasi-selective excitation time-resolved method at 300 K. Spectral parameters such energy level schemes, concentration dependence of emission kinetics and emission quantum efficiency specific to each center are provided. (C) 2013 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.