Synthesis of Er3+-doped Na3La(PO4)2 micro-powders and photoluminescence properties

Abstract Na 3 La(PO 4 ) 2 doped with different concentrations of erbium ion Er 3+ are grown by solid state reaction and characterized by XRD, FTIR spectroscopy and photoluminescence properties. These compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic system with space group Pca2 1 . The evolution of crystal lattices parameters as function of Er 3+ concentration in these lattices was studied. Spectroscopic properties of the samples of Na 3 La 1 − x Er x (PO 4 ) 2 , where x  = 10%, 20% and 50% are presented. The absorption spectra as well as the gap energies of Na 3 La 1 − x Er x (PO 4 ) 2 have been investigated. Photoluminescence emission and excitation as well as decay times were measured at room temperature and discussed as function of Er 3+ concentration, crystal structure and particle-size distribution of the lattices. A comparative study reveals that Na 3 La 1 − x Er x (PO 4 ) 2 is candidate for use in optical devices.