Enhancement of Light Output in ScxY1−xPO4:Eu3+ Solid Solutions

Abstract

The luminescence properties of ScxY1−xPO4:Eu3+ solid solutions have been studied under excitation by synchrotron radiation in the energy range of 4.5–50 eV. The luminescence originating from three different types of emission centers was observed, and the origin of the emission centers was determined. The light output of ScxY1−xPO4:Eu3+ was shown to depend non-linearly on the ratio of Sc and Y cations, whereas it is maximal in compounds with their equal content. The branching of the energy relaxation process between different emission centers is analyzed for the brightest Sc0.5Y0.5PO4:Eu3+ solid solution.