Spectral hole-burning in Eu3+ ion exchanged β"-alumina

Spectral hole-burning has been observed in Eu3+ ion exchanged Na beta " -alumina. There are two types of persistent holes at different burning wavelengths: One is with a complex band shape and the other with a simple Lorentzian shape. The latter persistent hole, with a simple Lorentzian shape, can be burned up to 70 K for 90% exchanged sample of Eu3+ ions. This observed persistent hole is caused by a light induced local-structure change surrounding Eu3+ ions or the light-induced local motion of ions. The barrier height (potential energy) for the light-induced local motion of ions was determined from the analysis of the thermal decay-profile of the persistent hole, which was obtained from the so-called temperature cycling experiment. Two potential energies, which will be related to those for the ionic motion of the conduction ions through the conduction pass, were obtained. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.