Dopant concentration dependent optical and X-Ray induced photoluminescence in Eu$^{3+}$ doped La$_{2}$Zr$_{2}$O$_{7}$

Herein, we will be presenting the dopant (Eu) concentration dependent high density La$_{2}$Zr$_{2}$O$_{7}$ nanoparticles for optical and X-ray scintillation applications by use of X - ray diffraction, Raman, FTIR, scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), optically and X-ray excited photoluminescence (PL). Several theoretical methods have been used in order to investigate the structural, electronic, optical, elastic, dynamic properties of Eu doped La$_{2}$Zr$_{2}$O$_{7}$. It is observed that Eu: La$_{2}$Zr$_{2}$O$_{7}$ shows an intense red luminescence under 258, 322, 394 and 465 nm excitation. The optical intensity of Eu: La$_{2}$Zr$_{2}$O$_{7}$ depends on the dopant concentration of Eu$^{3+}$. Following high energy excitation with X-rays, Eu: La$_{2}$Zr$_{2}$O$_{7}$ shows an atypical Eu PL response (scintillation) with a red emission. The intense color emission of Eu obtained under 258 nm excitation, the X-ray induced luminescence property along with reportedly high density of La$_{2}$Zr$_{2}$O$_{7}$, makes these nanomaterials attractive for optical and X-ray applications.