Spectroscopic study of rare earth chromates: relation to the structure

The luminescence spectra of trivalent europium ion embedded in various rare earth chromates were analysed. The spectroscopic data in most of chromates are in agreement with the structural determination but for some others the discrepancy between two methods is underlined. Energy level schemes were deducted from the experimental emission spectra and the crystal field simulation has been performed. The maximum splitting of the 7F1 manifold of the Eu3+ ion as a function of Nv, the so-called crystal field strength parameter, is given. This allows us to classify the compounds according to their crystal field extent. (author)