Laser-induced time-resolved luminescence as a tool for rare-earth element identification in minerals

Abstract We have determined and distinguished a number of rare-earth elements in several minerals by use of laser-induced time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. Unlike the conventional measurement of steady-state luminescence, the method allows discrimination between ions that emit in the same spectral range but have different decay times. The main new results are the following: decay time data for all REE luminescence centers; Tm3+, Pr3+, Er3+, Ho3+ luminescence in apatite, scheelite, zircon, calcite, and fluorite; Eu3+ luminescence in apatite, zircon, fluorite, calcite, danburite, and datolite.