Interrelated emission and spin–spin relaxation feature mediated byV_O⁺defects in Gd₂O₃nanorods subjected to swift ion impact

We report on the manifestation and interconnected photoluminescence and electron paramagnetic resonance responses in gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanorods subjected to 80 MeV carbon ion irradiation. On increasing the irradiation fluence between 1 × 1011 and 3 × 1012 ions/cm2, the emission associated with neutral oxygen vacancies (VOx), positioned at ~350 nm, undergoes a steady increase compared to that associated with singly charged vacancies (VO+), located at ~414 nm. The enhancement of spin–spin relaxation time (τss) is ascribed to a substantial changeover from VO+ to VOx defects with irradiation, the former being recognized as the major contributor to paramagnetic centres. Interconnected luminescence and spin–spin relaxation could provide insight for making advanced nanophosphors and spin valve elements.