Structure and luminescence spectra of lutetium and yttrium borates synthesized from ammonium nitrate melt

Lutetium and yttrium borates doped with europium, terbium, gadolinium, etc. have been synthesized by dissolving initial oxides and nitrates in ammonium nitrate melt and thermal decomposition of the solvent. Annealings in the range of 500–1100°C modified the dimensions of the grains from 2 to 3 nm to more than 100 nm. Significant dependence of the structure of lutetium borate on slight doping with rare earth ions has been found: terbium makes high-temperature vaterite phase preferential at room temperature, whereas europium stabilizes low-temperature calcite phase. Influence of the structure of the borates on the pattern of the luminescence spectra of europium dopant was observed. Possibilities for manufacturing of scintillating lutetium borate ceramics by means of this method of synthesis are discussed.