New development in time-resolved micro-photoluminescence spectroscopy of heterogeneous natural and synthetic inorganic materials

Abstract Inorganic materials with optical properties and especially naturally multidoped geomaterials often present micro-scale heterogeneities (growth zoning, inclusions, devitrification, micro-phases …). Identification and optical effects of such heterogeneities have more and more to be taken into account. To reach the microscopic scale during photoluminescence studies, a microscope has been modified in order to allow pulsed laser injection (from UV to visible), beam focus with micro-scale resolution on the sample, as well as collection of micro- fluorescence. Such equipment allows now undertaking time-resolved measurements of micro-phases. Applications on phosphors, devitrified glass and geomaterials are presented.