Structure and Cathodoluminescent Properties of Y2O3:Eu Thin Films at Different Activator Concentrations

The surface structure and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra of thin films of Y2O3:Eu obtained by HF ion plasma sputtering were investigated by varying the activator concentration in the range of 1.0–7.5 mole%. The possibility of creating irregular solutions of yttrium and europium oxides and the structural features of the small and large crystallites that form the Y2O3:Eu film were demonstrated on the basis of the shape of the CL spectra at different activator concentrations. The critical distance for interaction between the Eu3+ ions at nodes with C2 and C3i point symmetry was estimated, and a mechanism of energy migration between these centers was proposed.