Synthesis and Spectroscopic Properties of Nano-scale Y2O3:Nd3+ Phosphors

We report on the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of Y2O3:Nd3+ nano-powders synthesized by the thermal decomposition of yttrium alginate gels obtained by ionic gelation of yttrium salt solution and sodium alginate solution. The nano-powders were synthesized at 350, 400, 450 and 500 degrees C and annealed at 600, 800, 1000 and 1400. The cubic phase of the Y2O3 was confirmed, and the particle sizes range from 15 to 300 nm. For each sample we measured accurately the Nd3+ emission spectrum in a wide range of temperatures ranging from 35 to 300 K. We also measured the decay patterns of the excited Nd3+ ions following a pulsed excitation. These measurements were conducted in the same temperature range in order to fully characterize the samples examined. We have observed that these patterns vary considerably with the particle size, so that they may be considered signatures of these sizes.