Structure and optical properties of KGd(CO3)F2:Eu3+

Abstract The crystal structure of KGd(CO 3 )F 2 is solved from single crystal X-ray diffraction, and the luminescence properties of KGd(CO 3 )F 2 are analysed. KGd(CO) 3 F 2 :Eu 3+ is orthorhombic, of space group Fddd (No. 70), with a =7.006(2) A, b =11.181(3) A and c =21.865(6) A. The three-dimensional network is built up from infinite sheets of GdO 4 F 4 polyhedra in the ( a , b ) plane, which are linked by the carbonate groups and K + ions along c . A single crystallographic site for Eu 3+ with C 2 symmetry, as predicted by X-ray study, is confirmed from the luminescence spectrum recorded at 77 K. Simulation of the crystal field effects is also carried out.