Photoluminescence and energy transfer process in Gd2O3:Eu3+, Tb3

Variation in photoluminescence (PL) properties of Eu3+ and Tb3+ as a function of co-dopant (Tb3+) concentration are studied for Gd2-x-yO3: Eu3+ x Tb3+ y (x = 0.02, y = 0.01, 0.03, 0.05). The crystal structure analysis is carried out by X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Absence of addition peaks corresponding europium or terbium phase confirms the phase purity. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) reveals the absorption peaks corresponding to host matrix, Eu3+ and Tb3+. The bandgap calculated from Kubelka – Munk function is also reported. PL spectra are recorded at the excitation wavelength of 307 nm and the emission peak corresponding to Eu3+ confirms the energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+. The agglomeration of particles acts as quenching centres for energy transfer at higher concentrations.