Structural, Optical and Dielectric Properties of Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+ Doped LaF3 Hexagonal Nanoparticles

Well dispersed, elongated and hexagonal LaF3: Ce3+, Pr3+, Nd3+ nanocrystals have been synthesized by microwave assisted technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies indicates the formation of nanocrystals with unit cell parameters a 7.144 A(0), c = 7.281 A, (cia 1.019) and unit cell volume of 321.86 (A(0))(3) of average crystallite size 21 nm have been traced by from XRD analysis and it is close agreement with transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. Ultra- violet (UV) absorption spectrum shows an edge at 250 nm indicating presence of wide transparency window region between 200 nm-800 urn. Fundamental groups have been observed in the Fourier transformation infrared (FUR) and FT-Raman spectra. The blue luminescent properties of the nanoparticles were investigated by excitation and emission spectra. Room temperature Electrical and dielectric properties were studied for the synthesized nanocrystals the values of conductivity & resistivity is found to be in the order of 10(-6) Scm(-1) and resistivity 10(5) Omega cm. Low dielectric constant value was observed in the Lap,: Pr35, and -MP' nanocrystals at high frequency indicating its suitability for electro optics applications.