Structure, phase composition, and spectral luminescence properties of partially stabilized zirconium dioxide crystals doped with Yb3+ ions

Abstract

Investigation of partially stabilized zirconium dioxide crystals via transmission electron microscopy has revealed a developed twin structure therein. The following compositions of the above crystals have been selected for this study: 97.2 mol % ZrO₂–1.0 mol % Y₂O₃–1.8 mol % Yb₂O₃; 97.2 mol % ZrO₂–2.0 mol % Y₂O₃–0.8 mol % Yb₂O₃; 97.2 mol % ZrO₂–2.5 mol % Y₂O₃–0.3 mol % Yb₂O₃; and 96.3 mol % ZrO₂–3.4 mol % Y₂O₃–0.3 mol % Yb₂O₃. X-ray diffraction analysis of these crystals indicate the presence of transformable (t) and nontransformable (t') tetragonal phases. Optical spectroscopy measurements of ZrO₂–Y₂O₃–Yb₂O₃ crystals with tetragonal and cubic structures have highlighted in Yb³⁺-doped zirconium dioxide samples the formation of the optical centers of the Yb³⁺ ions is observed, whose crystal surrounding is similar to those in cubic zirconium dioxide crystals.