【Substrate Papers】Erbium-doped β-Ga₂O₃: Insights into doping-induced structural, magnetic, and optical property modifications

      Researchers from the VIT-AP University have published a dissertation titled "Erbium-doped β-Ga₂O₃: Insights into doping-induced structural, magnetic, and optical property modifications" in Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials.

Abstract

      This study analyzes the doping-induced structural, magnetic, and optical property modification of β-Ga₂O₃ powder samples doped with erbium ions at 0, 1, 3, and 5 M%, synthesized via a hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction analysis verified the presence of a single-phase monoclinic β-Ga₂O₃ across all the samples with a minor Er₃GaO₆ phase, exceptionally in samples doped with Er at 5 M%. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the presence of Ga, O, and Er in the prepared samples, with Ga and Er exhibiting a +3 oxidation state. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed the surface morphology of the samples. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) analysis verified the presence of gallium, oxygen, and erbium in the doped samples. UV–Vis absorbance studies and Tauc plot analysis indicated a reduction in absorbance and bandgap with doping. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra indicated the presence of paramagnetic centers related to singly ionized oxygen vacancies. Photoluminescence studies (PL) in the UV–Vis region revealed characteristic emission peaks of β-Ga₂O₃ and erbium ions. Fluorescence lifetime analysis showed an increase in fluorescence lifetime with increasing Er concentration. Magnetic measurements at room temperature demonstrated a change in pure β-Ga₂O₃ from a diamagnetic to a paramagnetic state upon erbium doping.

DOI：

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmmm.2025.173113