Laser-induced time-resolved luminescence of minerals

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 Eu²⁺, Mn²⁺, (WO₄)^4-, (MoO₄)^4- and radiation-induced centers. Luminescence of Pr³⁺, Tm³⁺ and Er³⁺ have been detected for the first time in minerals, also in presence of interfering ions, namely, Sm³⁺, Dy³⁺ and Tb³⁺ with similar emission spectra.