Abstract

The luminescence properties of Ce³⁺ ions in strontium bromoborate are reported and discussed. In Sr_{2(1 − x)}Ce_2xB₅O₉Br (x ≤ 0.01) solid solutions two principal Ce³⁺ centers are observed. The dominant center was found to be produced by the direct substitution of the dopant ion for Sr²⁺ without a local charge compensation. Upon UV excitation this center gives an intense emission with maxima at 326 and 349 nm. The other center is ascribed to an associate of a Ce³⁺ ion and a cation vacancy. It causes a broad band emission with a maximum at ca. 375 nm. The charge compensation mechanism on the cation sublattice includes the formation of one vacancy per two Ce³⁺ ions incorporated. Sr₂B₅O₉Br:Ce³⁺ has potential for use as a storage phosphor for thermal-neutron detection, because of its favorable chemical composition and promising luminescent properties.