The luminescence of mercury-like ions in and the crystal structure of SrLaBO4

Abstract

The crystal structure of SrLaBO4 contains triangular borate groups. The luminescence of mercury-like ions (Sn2+, Sb3+, Tl+, Pb2+, Bi3+) in this host lattice is characterized by a large Stokes shift. The Pb2+ is a very efficient activator at room temperature. The luminescent properties are discussed in terms of earlier models related to an off-center position of the metal ion. The emission of Eu3+ shows that the crystal structure has a disordered nature and confirms an off-center position. Energy transfer from Pb2+ to Eu3+ and Tb3+ was studied and found to be inefficient.