Nd_2O_3: Eu~(3+) nanocrystalline phosphor - a new potential thermoluminescing material for dosimetry

摘要

Nanoparticles of trivalent Eu~(3+)-doped Nd_2O_3 phosphors have been prepared using a low-temperature solution combustion method with metal nitrate as precursor and oxalyldihydrazide as a fuel at a fairly low temperature (<500 deg C) and in a very short time (<5min). A powder X-ray diffraction pattern reveals that cubic Nd_2O_3: Eu~(3+) crystallites are directly obtained without the requirement of further calcinations. The crystallite size, evaluated from Scherer's formula, was found to be in the range of 20-30 nm. The microstructure and morphology were studied by scanning electron microscopy, which showed the phosphor to be foamy and fluffy in nature. Thermoluminescence characteristics of the Nd_2O_3: Eu~(3+) have been studied using gamma irradiation. These demonstrate that the phosphor is suitable for use as a dosimeter.