BaF 2 crystallites have been studied by differential thermal analysis (DTA), X-ray diffraction
(XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photoluminescence (PL) and electron
paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy techniques. A pronounced EPR fine structure
emerges after the heat treatment of the glass matrix. EPR spectra simulations indicate the
formation of cubic, tetragonal and trigonal Gd 3+ centres in the studied compositions.