Structural and Spectroscopic Properties of -Y2Si2O7 Nanopowders Activated with Nd3+ Ions

Phosphors of -Y2Si2O7 doped with Nd3+ ions were prepared in the SiO2-Y2O3 binary systems using the solgel technique. Nano-sized crystalline phosphor powders were obtained by annealing the dried gels at 1480 degrees C. The average grain sizes of the NYS1, NYS2, NYS3, and NYS4, powders were estimated to be 44.1, 41.3, 48.1, and 53.2nm from the grain size distribution curves, respectively, and these results were confirmed by transmission electron microscope measurements. The spectroscopic properties of the powders were studied by measuring the luminescence spectra, and the decay curves of the F-4(3/2) emission level were measured at room temperature.