Structural characterisation and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy of nanocrystalline X2-Lu2SiO5:Pr3+ powders

Nanocrystalline X2 lutetium oxyorthosilicate (X2-Lu2SiO5) doped with Pr3+ was synthesized by the sol–gel route. The product was characterised with X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy to confirm the crystal structure and analyse the morphology on the nanoscale. The luminescence spectroscopy and the excited state dynamics were investigated by time-resolved VUV spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation. Fast and efficient host-to-impurity energy transfer was observed. The temperature dependence of the decay dynamics was investigated. In view of a potential application as a scintillator, the X-ray excited luminescence of the X2-Lu2SiO5 nanopowder was studied. Excitation and relaxation processes occurring in nanocrystalline Lu2SiO5:Pr3+ are analysed and discussed.