Eu$^{3+}$ as a luminescent probe for studying the structure of R$_{2}$O$_{3}$ materials (R = Y, Eu, and Gd)

Spectra of Eu$^{3+}$ in various dielectric matrices (Gd$_{2}$O$_{3}$ : Eu$^{3+}$, Y$_{2}$O$_{3}$ : Eu$^{3+}$, Eu$_{2}$O$_{3}$, and $m$SiO$_{2}$/Gd$_{2}$O$_{3}$ : Eu$^{3+}$ mesoporous particles) are studied by local cathodoluminescence. The results allowed identification of the local environment of Eu$^{3+}$ ions in amorphous samples and detection of the monoclinic Eu$_2$O$_3$ phase impurity in samples with yttrium oxide. The cathodoluminescence spectra of chemically pure Y$_{2}$O$_{3}$, Eu$_{2}$O$_{3}$, and Gd$_{2}$O$_{3}$ are recorded. Conclusions about the structural features of the materials are made and confirmed by other methods (XRD and EPMA).