Photoluminescence properties of the Eu3+ activator ion in the TiO2 host matrix

Titania (TiO2) is employed as a host for the Eu3+ activator ion. Thin films were produced by the sol-gel method on silicon and corning glass substrates and, depending on the nature of the substrate, they present different crystalline structure. The films show an intense red photoluminescence associated with the D-5(0)--> F-7(2) transition of the electronic structure of Eu3+. The photoluminescence presents better characteristics for the films deposited on silicon wafers. For above band gap excitation the emission from the TiO2 matrix is obscured by the luminescence of the Eu3+ ions. The peak energy position, the spectral shape, and the width are insensitive to changes of temperature in the 12-300 K range, making the TiO2:Eu3+ a very attractive system for technological applications. (C) 2001 American Institute of Physics.