Synthesis and Optical Characteristics of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 Ceramic Solid Solutions Prepared under Different Temperature Conditions

Abstract

Fine powders of mixed gadolinium tantalum niobates doped with Eu, Sm, Tb, and Er were synthesized. Ceramic samples of polycomponent solid solutions of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 were obtained from synthesized powders using conventional sintering technology. The phase composition and phase structure characteristics of the Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 ceramic phases were determined by XRD. The effect of ceramic sintering temperature on the physical characteristics of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 solid solutions is shown. The morphological features of the microstructure of the Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 ceramics were studied in relation to its mechanical characteristics. At the same time, the strength characteristics (Young’s modulus, microhardness) and the critical stress intensity factor for mode I KIC were evaluated for the first time for the synthesized compounds. Photoluminescence and cathodoluminescence were studied in the visible region. The study confirms the potential application of Gd0.96Eu0.01Sm0.01Tb0.01Er0.01Nb0.9Ta0.1O4 ceramic solid solutions as scintillators and radioluminescent light sources.