Single crystal zircon doped with europium and vanadium simultaneously in order to support intensive luminescence under UV-light

Abstract

Crystals of zircon, ZrSiO₄, doped with Eu and V simultaneously have been grown for the first time by the flux method. The use of both (Eu + V) has supported higher Eu³⁺ incorporation into zircon lattice and respective increase of luminescence intensity under UV-light (220 and 365 nm) in comparison with zircon doped with Eu³⁺ only. The irregular distribution of vanadium and appearance of blue color in some zones of crystal matrix have been observed and studied using optical and scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, cathodoluminescence imaging and spectroscopy. Further research is proposed on study of valence states of vanadium in zircon lattice and possible improvement of synthesis conditions in order to avoid formation of blue color suppressing the luminescence.