Laser-induced time-resolved luminescence of minerals

Abstract Laser-induced time-resolved spectroscopy of natural apatite, scheelite, zircon, calcite and fluorite enables the detection of the luminescence centers, which under steady-state conditions cannot be spectroscopically separated. By applying time-resolved spectroscopy we are able to determine rare-earth elements, luminescence of which has been previously hidden by the stronger bands of Eu 2+ , Mn 2+ , (WO 4 ) 4− , (MoO 4 ) 4− and radiation-induced centers. Luminescence of Pr 3+ , Tm 3+ and Er 3+ have been detected for the first time in minerals, also in presence of interfering ions, namely, Sm 3+ , Dy 3+ and Tb 3+ with similar emission spectra.