Structure and texture of Y₂O₃:Tb nanocrystals

This paper presents the results of microstructural studies of terbium-doped yttria quantum nanocrystals by imaging and diffraction in a transmission electron microscope. The nanocrystals are typically found in clusters of varying size. Electron energy-loss spectroscopy confirms that the particles consist of yttrium and oxygen. Analysis of selected-area electron diffraction patterns shows that the nanocrystals largely have the cubic structure found in bulk yttria. These patterns furthermore suggest that within each cluster the nanocrystals align themselves with a preferred orientation relative to the incident electron beam as well as to each other.