X-ray nanoimaging of Nd^3+ optically active ions embedded in Sr_05Ba_05Nb_2O_6 nanocrystals

Abstract

The spatial distribution of Sr 0.5 Ba 0.5 Nb 2 O 6 nanocrystals is analyzed in a boratebased glass-ceramic by a synchrotron hard X-ray nanoimaging tool. Based on X-ray excited optical luminescence, we examined 2D projections of the Nd 3+ optically active ions in the Sr 0.5 Ba 0.5 Nb 2 O 6 nanocrystals, as well as in the glassy phase where they are embedded. Our findings reveal areas of agglomerations and/or clusters of nanocrystals ascribed to the diffusion coefficients of their constituent elements. They are characterized by high Nd 3+ concentrations that may act as heterogeneous agents for the nucleation and growth of these nanocrystals.

State-of-the-art multimodal scanning hard X-ray imaging and tomography sheds light at multiple length-scales on biomineralization related processes

“…Emerging analytical tools, such as multi-modal scanning hard X-ray imaging (e.g. (Somogyi et al, 2015;Schroer et al, 2016;Yan et al, 2016;Martínez-Criado et al, 2017;Parsons et al, 2017;Suuronen and Sayab, 2018;Yan et al, 2018;Chu et al, 2020;Quinn et al, 2021;Callefo et al, 2022;NANOSCOPIUM, 2024)) can provide invaluable pieces of information about these highly heterogenous hierarchical structures at multiple length-scales in 2D and/or 3D, offering new insights on biomineral formation pathways. Here, we provide an overview of the possibilities offered by such multimodal and multi-length-scale scanning X-ray imaging and tomography methods, through research examples performed at the NANOSCOPIUM beamline at synchrotron SOLEIL.…”

Formation kinetics of Sr0.25Ba0.75Nb2O6 and Li2B4O7 crystals from 0.25SrO–0.75BaO–Nb2O5–Li2O–2B2O3 glass

“…Nonlinear-optical and electro-optical properties of xSBN with a high piezoelectric coefficient value can be applied for the commercialization of domain patterning. [5][6][7][8][9][10] In spite of their excellent applicability, the synthesis of xSBN ceramics is known to be complicated by the hydrolysis and moisture of the niobium compound, with easy formation of an unexpected BaNb 2 O 6 crystal phase for the Ba rich xSBN compound, and thus recent studies have been performed on the formation of thin lms to avoid these difficulties. [11][12][13] Li 2 B 4 O 7 (LBO) crystal is a non-ferroelectric and piezoelectric material at room temperature, it belongs to a tetragonal symmetry 4 mm with a ¼ b ¼ 9.477, c ¼ 10.286 A. LBO crystal is a commonly used material in surface acoustic wave substrate, nonlinear devices for frequency conversion in the ultraviolet region, and piezoelectric actuator.…”