On the existence of europium aluminum oxynitrides with a magnetoplumbite or beta-alumina type structure

In the literature confusion exists concerning the structure type, the valen ce of europium, and the amount of nitrogen incorporation of the compound eu ropium aluminum oxynitride. By using X-ray diffraction and luminescence mea surements, we show that europium aluminum oxynitride has the magnetoplumbit e structure. Eu is present in its divalent state, and a negligible amount o f nitrogen is present. (C) 1999 Academic Press.