Memory effect and cathodoluminescent properties of YAG:Nd3+ nanoceramics

Abstract

The cathodoluminescent properties of nanoceramics based on neodymium-doped yttrium–aluminum garnet (YAG:Nd³⁺) are studied in a wide optical spectral range (from UV to IR). It is shown that the spectral positions of the emission bands of nanoceramics are identical to that of single crystal, but the bands of nanoceramics are broadened by no more than 15% from the half bandwidths of single crystal. The intensity of cathodoluminescence bands in nanoceramics is lower, and the lifetimes of radiative levels are shorter. It is found for the first time that electron-beam irradiation of nanoceramics increases the cathodoluminescence intensity of bands in visible and UV ranges (by two or more times). Preliminary electron beam irradiation of YAG:Nd³⁺ nanoceramics samples leads to the increase of cathodoluminescence efficiency. Such effect retains for a long time (a year and more) and can be compared to the memory effect. This effect is not observed in single crystal. We propose a model describing this effect in nanoceramics.