Optical properties of CaAl₂SiO₆ polycrystals doped with Ce³⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions

The CaAl₂SiO₆ (CASO) aluminosilicate polycrystals doped with Ce³⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions have been synthesized using the sol–gel method. The XRD diffractograms, excitation and emission spectra, as well as the decay time profiles were measured and discussed. The energies of Nd³⁺ levels in CASO polycrystals were assigned. A series of crystalline powders were divided into two groups, with slightly different crystal symmetry. The CIE chromatic coordinates and colour purity were calculated. Refractive indices and bandgap energies were estimated. The influence of spectroscopic properties, depending on the symmetry and doping ratio, was analysed. Obtained research results explain the influence of doped ions on the spectroscopic properties of CaAl₂SiO₆ and provide a new perspective on aluminosilicate compounds.