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 valence of europium, and the amount of nitrogen incorporation of the compound europium aluminum oxynitride. By using X-ray diffraction and luminescence measurements, we show that europium aluminum oxynitride has the magnetoplumbite structure. Eu is present in its divalent state, and a negligible amount of nitrogen is present.