Synchrotron excitation, emission and theoretical simulation of lanthanide ions in hexachloroelpasolite crystals

Emission and excitation spectra of Cs(2)NaLnCl(6) (Ln = Y, Eu, Gd, Er, Yb), Cs(2)NaYCl(6):Ce and Cs(2)NaYCl(6):Tm have been recorded using synchrotron radiation. With the possible exception of the case for Ce(3+), no [Formula: see text] transitions are observed and the emission spectra are entirely assigned to [Formula: see text] intraconfigurational transitions of Ln(3+) in LnCl(6)(3-) and impurity species. The excitation spectra comprise intraconfigurational, charge transfer and band-to-band transitions. Trace impurities of oxy-species or of other lanthanide ions have a profound effect upon the spectra. The 4f-5d absorption spectra have been simulated by employing the suite of programs of Professor M F Reid and the results have been included together with the experimental spectra.