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Cathodoluminescence of Am3+ in zircon, (Zr,Pu,…)SiO4, and garnet, (Y,Gd,…)3(Al,Ga,…)5O12
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 11 February 2011
Abstract
Ceramic waste forms based on garnet, (Y,Gd,An‥)3(Al,Ga,An‥)5O12, and zircon, (Zr,An‥)SiO4, where An=U, Pu, Np, Am, and Cm have been proposed for the immobilization of weapons-grade plutonium and other actinides. The lattice capacity of these materials depends on the valence state and ionic radius of the substitute ions. The method of cathodoluminescence (CL) allows the determination of the valence state of different ions (e.g., some transition metals, lanthanides, and actinides) in ceramic. There is a lack of information in the literature concerning CL properties of actinide ions. Cathodoluminescence images and emission spectra of synthetic yttrium-aluminum garnet, gallium-gadolinium garnet and zircon doped with Am were studied. Americium ion has three groups of lines of CL in visible region at 1.6eV, 1.9eV and 2.3eV. The interpretation of these lines has been done using the results of absorption spectra of Am in solution and in crystal LaCl3. There are f-f transitions of Am3+ ion. The ratio of intensities and the structure of these lines depend on the matrix. However, the spectral positions of these lines in two types of garnets and in zircon coincide. It was conclude that these lines can be used for identification of Am3+ ion in different crystalline matrices.
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- Copyright © Materials Research Society 2003