Crystal-field study of Sm3+ ions in Sm2O3, Sm3+:Gd2O3 and Sm3+:Y2O3

Raman active phonons and Sm3+ crystal field excitations have been studied in Sm2O3 types B and C, and 3, 10 and 30% Sm3+ doped Gd2O3 and Y2O3. The phonons of each type exhibit a one-mode behavior as a function of concentration and a relatively broad linewidth. CF excitations corresponding to the H-6(5/2) --> H-6(7/2), H-6(9/2), H-6(11/2), H-6(13/2), F-4(3/2), and (4)G(5/2) intermuliplet transitions have been detected in both types and associated on the one hand with the three Sm3+ inequivalent C-s site-symmetry in the B-type; and on the other hand, with the Sm3+ C-2 site-symmetry in the C-type. Finally, in both types, a strong luminescence, which is broadened in the B-type is observed around 16,450 cm(-1). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.