Exciton X-Ray Induced Luminescence of Y2O3 Polycrystals Sintered from the Nanopowder

Abstract

The paper is devoted to the changes in the X-ray luminescence spectra of nanoscale Y2O3 ceramics, namely the radiation associated with a self-trapped exciton. Additional heat treatment (annealing) of ceramic samples leads to changes in the exciton band of the spectra. These are a change in the shape and shift of the maximum of this band. Long-term irradiation of the samples by X-ray photons with an energy of 60 keV also led to changes in the exciton band. A theoretical model based on experimental data explains the changes in the spectra. The energy source of luminescence in this case is photoelectrons formed by energetic photons. Traps for these electrons are formed on the surface of submicrocrystals. Changes in the surface-to-volume ratio of crystals, as well as the frequencies of excited phonons and excitons are the basis for changes in the X-ray luminescence spectra of Y2O3 ceramics.