High intensity orange-red emission of chemically deposited Sm3+-doped ZrO2 thin films - Beneficial effects of host and dopant

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2022.04.013
• Publication Date: 2022-04-07T16:05:52Z
• Authors: O. Dimitrov; I. Stambolova; T. Babeva; K. Lazarova; G. Avdeev; M. Shipochka; R. Mladenova; S. Simeonova
• Keywords: Rare earth dopant; Mining engineering. Metallurgy; Optical properties; TN1-997; Zirconia; 02 engineering and technology; Phase transformation; 0210 nano-technology; Photoluminescence; zirconia

Samarium doped (0.5–5 at.%) ZrO2 films with high surface and optical quality were obtained by sol–gel method using inorganic zirconium precursor. The morphology roughness of the samples investigated scanning electron microscopy (SEM) atomic force (AFM). A phase transition following doping Sm3+ ions was registered X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, leading to stabilization tetragonal phase. Optical parameters such as refractive index extinction coefficient determined for each sample. photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed presence carbon impurities well a shift valence band (VB) edge lower binding energies increase dopant level. paramagnetic resonance (EPR) proved oxygen vacancies other defects (Zr3+, T-centers) in structure which prompted photoluminescence (PL) material. emission spectra pure Sm-doped beneficial effect host matrix, capable boosting characteristic orange-red ions. have very ratio acceptor/donor intensity (Ia/Id = 25) making them promising candidates applications field photonics, including development white LEDs.