Correlation of Raman Phonon and Europium(III) Luminescence Spectra as a Probe of Structure in Trisodium Tris(2,6-Pyridinedicarboxylato)Lanthanide(III) Compounds

Abstract

Raman phonon and probe ion luminescence spectroscopy has been demonstrated as a reliable means of differentiating the various crystal structures of many trisodium tris(2,6-pyridinedicarboxylato)lanthanide(III) compounds. The luminescence spectra have been measured at high resolution and at low temperature (77 K) to show the sensitivity of this spectral method to slight changes in the metal ion coordination polyhedra which are due to differing crystal structures. The use of optical means for determining crystal structure is being explored for potential use with highly radioactive transuranium elements.