Luminescence from the Pr 4f5d and S0 states in LiLaP4O12

The photoluminescence and excitation spectra of Pr³⁺ activated LiLaP₄O₁₂ has been investigated in the 10-300 K temperature region. At all temperatures, the luminescence consists of optical transitions emanating from both the Pr³⁺ 4f¹5d¹ and the ¹S₀ states. However, at low temperatures the emission spectrum is dominated by the intraconfiguration emission transitions emanating from the Pr³⁺¹S₀ state. With increasing temperature, there is an exchange of intensity between the two emitting states; emission transitions from the ¹S₀ state exhibit strong intensity quenching while the 4f¹5d¹→4f² emission transitions reveal intensity gain. These results are explained on the basis of thermal population of the 4f¹5d¹ state by the ¹S₀ state. The energy barrier of 0.05 eV (403 cm⁻¹) for the nonradiative process is determined from the temperature dependence of the ¹S₀ lifetime.     

Site selective 4f5d spectroscopy of CaF2 : Pr

Spectroscopic investigations were performed on a single crystal of CaF₂ doped with 0.05% Pr³⁺. Three different Pr³⁺ sites with different luminescent properties were identified. The 4f² →4f¹5d¹ excitation spectrum of the first site has a sharp maximum at 221.3 nm. Excitation in the 4f5d bands of this site yields strong 4f5d emissions in the UV/VIS part of the spectrum and also weaker intraconfigurational 4f² emissions. By comparing the intraconfigurational 4f emissions and their decay times with data from the literature, these 4f5d bands are assigned to transitions on Pr³⁺ ions on a site with C_4V symmetry. The fd excitation spectrum of the second site has a zero phonon line at 223.3 nm. Upon selective excitation in this band, only 4f5d emission is observed. Probably, these 4f5d bands correspond to Pr³⁺ ions on a O_h site. The third set of 4f5d bands has a 4f5d onset at 208 nm. By comparison of the luminescence spectra of the intraconfigurational 4f² transitions with literature data, these transitions are assigned to Pr³⁺ on an L site. Excitation in these 4f5d band yields ¹S₀ emission followed by emission from the ³P₀ state. The present results clarify some contradictions reported in the literature.     

Luminescence of Ca(NbO3)2:Pr at ambient and high hydrostatic pressure

In this contribution, photoluminescence and time-resolved photoluminescence spectra of Ca(NbO₃)₂ doped with Pr³⁺ obtained at high hydrostatic pressure up to 72 kbar applied in a diamond anvil cell are presented. At ambient conditions, the emission spectrum obtained in the time interval 0-1 μs is dominated by spin-allowed transitions from the ³P₀ state. On the other hand, transitions from ¹D₂, characterized by a decay time equal to 30 μs dominate the steady-state luminescence.At pressures lower than 60 kbar, the continuous wave emission spectrum consists of sharp lines peaking between 600 and 625 nm, related to the ¹D₂→³H₄ transition and three lines at 500, 550 and 650 nm related to emission transitions originating from the ³P₀ level of Pr³⁺. The emission from the ¹D₂ excited state depends weakly on the pressure. Its decay time decreases from 33 μs at ambient pressure to less than 22 μs at 68 kbar. On the other hand, the ³P₀ emission is strongly pressure dependent. At pressures of 60 kbar and higher, the Pr³⁺ emission intensity from the ³P₀ state decreases. This is accompanied by a strong shortening of the luminescence decay time.The observed pressure quenching of the f-f emission transitions and the concomitant lifetime shortening have been attributed to increasing crossover from the ³P₀ state of Pr³⁺ to a Pr³⁺-trapped exciton state.     

Luminescence of Pr-doped LiCaAlF6 and LiSrAlF6 crystals

The spectral and kinetic parameters of LiCaAlF₆:Pr and LiSrAlF₆:Pr single crystals are studied at LHeT and room temperature (RT). Photon cascade emission (PCE), i.e., ¹S₀→¹I₆ and ³P₀→³H_j, ³F_j transitions after Pr³⁺ excitation via 4f²→4f 5d absorption results in the conversion of the vacuum ultraviolet photon to two visible photons. The excitation and photoemission spectra as well as decay times have been measured and compared with those for CaF₂:Pr and SrF₂:Pr crystals. X-ray luminescence was measured to study the emission origin from both ¹S₀ and ³P₀ states of Pr³⁺. An intense phosphorescence of LiSrAlF₆:Pr was observed in the visible range after X-irradiation at RT, contrary to LiCaAlF₆:Pr.     

Spectroscopic properties of Pr:KY(MoO4)2 crystal as a visible laser gain medium

A Pr³⁺-doped KY(MoO₄)₂ single crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The polarized absorption and fluorescence spectra of the Pr³⁺:KY(MoO₄)₂ crystal were measured at room temperature. The stimulated emission cross-sections for the transitions from the ³P₀ multiplet were estimated from the fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence lifetime of the ³P₀ multiplet was estimated from the fluorescence decay curve at room temperature. The analysis of spectral properties shows that the Pr³⁺:KY(MoO₄)₂ crystal is a promising gain medium for visible lasers.     

YAG:Pr3+的真空紫外光谱分析及其4f5d能级的研究

用共沉淀法制备出不同掺杂浓度的钇铝石榴石(Y₃Al₅O_{12，YAG)：Pr³⁺粉末.在不同温度下用同步辐射的真空紫外光(VUV)作为激发光 源测量了其发射和激发光谱.对YAG：Pr³⁺被VUV激发后的发光过程进行了分析， 并估算了YAG：Pr³⁺的声子能量、黄昆因子S及Stokes位移.当用170nm光激发样 品时，可能存在自陷激子和通过自陷激子能量传递引发的³P0发射 ，这种跃迁途径不同于用240nm和289nm两个波长激发后的跃迁途径；对Pr³⁺在Y AG中的4f5d能级进行了研究，从而对其4f5d组态有了一个较清晰的认识. 关键词： 3+')" href="#">YAG：Pr³⁺ 同步辐射 4f5d能级 VUV}     

Luminescent properties of trivalent praseodymium-doped lanthanum aluminum germanate LaAlGe2O7

The luminescent characteristics of Pr³⁺-activated LaAlGe₂O₇ were investigated. In response to excitement using 448 nm blue light, the emission spectra involved most of the ³P₀→³H_J transitions. The dominant emission came from the ³P₀→³H₄ transition at 487 nm. ¹D₂ fluorescence quenching was observed in highly doped samples and is related to the cross-relaxation processes among neighboring Pr³⁺ ions. In contrast with conventional Pr³⁺-activated phosphors, the extraordinary excitation spectra showed only intense f-f transition of Pr³⁺ ions, while the 4f-5d transition was eliminated. This is ascribed to photoionization. By analyzing absorption and excitation spectra, it is recognized that no efficient energy transfer occurs between Pr³⁺ and the host lattice in LaAlGe₂O₇.     

Luminescence of Pr3+-Activated fluorides

The strong dependence of the emission spectrum of YF₃:Pr³⁺ on excitation source (228.8 nm, 213.9 nm or cathode rays) is ascribed to two different types of Pr³⁺ sites: one with a relatively strong crystal field and the other with a relatively weak crystal field. The presence of the latter is connected with the conversion of one short-wave UV (? 215 nm) photon into two visible photons. Two-photon luminescence of Pr³⁺ was also found for α-NaYF₄ and LaF₃, but not for CaF₂ and BaF₂ due to the too strong crystal field in these lattices. The occurrence of two-photon Pr³⁺ luminescence is compared with the intensity of the IR-excited green emission of the corresponding Yb³⁺, Er³⁺-activated lattices. The intensity of the Pr³⁺ luminescence at shortwave UV excitation (213.9 nm) is rather weak. Luminescence of reasonable efficiency is, however, observed on excitation with cathode rays.     

共掺Na+的Yb3+∶CaF2晶体的荧光分析与低阈值激光运转

基于975nm激发的室温下荧光光谱测量，系统地研究了在新型钠、镱共掺的氟化钙晶体中钠离子的作用机理，分析了掺钠离子浓度与激光阈值的关系，获得了具有最低激光阈值的掺杂浓度优化配比. 激光实验表明对于2%Yb³⁺离子浓度的氟化钙，掺入3%的钠离子能够获得最低阈值的激光运转，这与理论和荧光分析完全一致. 关键词： 镱、钠共掺氟化钙 荧光光谱 激光阈值     

Luminescence properties of LiPrxCe1−xP4O12

LiPr_1−xCe_xP₄O₁₂ (x=0, 0.002, 0.02; 0.1) powder samples were prepared using the melt solution technique. Luminescent parameters of LiPr_1−xCe_xP₄O₁₂ phosphors have been investigated under ultraviolet-vacuum ultraviolet (3-12 eV) synchrotron radiation and X-rays excitation at room and near liquid He temperatures. Excitation luminescence spectra of Ce³⁺ emission, luminescent spectra and decay curves from the lower excited state levels of the 4f¹5d¹ and 5d¹ electronic configuration of the Pr³⁺ and Ce³⁺, respectively, clearly indicate energy transfer from Pr³⁺ to Ce³⁺. Energy migration proceeds via the Pr-sublattice followed by nonradiation transfer from Pr³⁺ to Ce³⁺ ions.     

Optical spectroscopy of Ca3Sc2Si3O12, Ca3Y2Si3O12 and Ca3Lu2Si3O12 doped with Pr

The silicates Ca₃Sc₂Si₃O₁₂, Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂ and Ca₃Lu₂Si₃O₁₂, both undoped and doped with Pr³⁺ ions, have been synthesized by solid-state reaction at high temperature. The luminescence spectroscopy and the excited state dynamics of the materials have been studied upon VUV and X-ray excitation using synchrotron radiation. All doped samples have shown efficient 5d-4f emission upon direct VUV excitation of 5d levels, but only Ca₃Sc₂Si₃O₁₂:Pr³⁺ shows luminescence upon interband VUV or X-ray excitation. The VUV excited emission spectra of Ca₃Y₂Si₃O₁₂:Pr³⁺ and Ca₃Lu₂Si₃O₁₂:Pr³⁺ show features attributed to emission from two distinct sites accommodating the Pr³⁺ dopant. The decay kinetics of the Pr³⁺ 5d-4f emission in Ca₃Sc₂Si₃O₁₂:Pr³⁺ upon VUV excitation across the band gap are characterized by decay times in the range 25-28 ns with no significant rise after the excitation pulse. They appear to be faster upon X-ray irradiation than for VUV excitation. Weak afterglow components are attributed to defect luminescence.     

Laser excitation of Pr3+ sites in ThCl4:Pr3+

Use of site selection spectroscopic techniques combined with low temperature absorption spectral studies has enabled the identification and characterization of ten optically important charge-compensated crystallographic sites for Pr³⁺ in the β-ThCl₄:Pr³⁺ system. Fluorescence decay time measurements, variation of site distribution with dopant concentration and fluorescence spectra were used to characterize the sites. Distant charge compensation is found to be one of the dominant modes of charge compensation of Pr³⁺ in ThCl₄, and its predominance over other sites increases as Pr³⁺ concentration decreases. The sinusoidal distortion of the crystal field symmetry around Pr³⁺ in the incommensurate phase of β-ThCl₄ is believed to be mainly responsible for the splitting and continuous shift in fluorescence spectral lines which occur when ³P₀→³F₂ fluorescence scans are made with excitation at different points on the ³P₀←³H₄ absorption line belonging to different sites.     

Pr3+在SBN晶体中的发光特性

通过测量Ｐｒ：ＳＢＮ晶体的吸收光谱和荧光光谱来确定Ｐｒ³⁺在ＳＢＮ晶体中的能级位置。由于Ｐｒ³⁺离子占据晶体中的不同格位而引起荧光带呈现双峰结构。测量荧光寿命随温度的变化关系，表明Ｐｒ³⁺在ＳＢＮ晶体中 ³Ｐ₀态的无辐射弛豫主要是 ³Ｐ₀→¹Ｄ₂多声子弛豫过程。 关键词：     

Optical study of CaF2 : Pr3+

Thermoluminescence, luminescence and luminescence excitation spectra of CaF₂ : Pr⁺³ (0.1%) at the temperature of liquid nitrogen have been investigated. Vibronic lines and lines due to cubic and tetragonal symmetries have been identified. A qualitative interpretation of the existence of both type of symmetries is also discussed.     

Quantum efficiency of non-radiative energy transfer from Eu3+ → Pr3+ in calibo glass

Study of energy transfer from optically excited Eu³⁺ to Pr³⁺ has been carried out in calibo glass. Probabilities (P_da) and efficiencies (η_T) of energy transfer from Eu³⁺ to Pr³⁺ have been calculated from the life time and emission intensity of Eu³⁺ + Pr³⁺. At low acceptor concentrations, P_da varies linearly with C_a showing migration of energy among donors. At high acceptor concentrations, P_da depends linearly on (C_a + C_d)², which is consistent with Fong and Diestler theory of dipole-dipole mechanism of energy transfer. At low temperatures the probability and the efficiency decrease due to increase in the emission intensity and life time, which suggests that at room temperature the energy is transferred to lattice by donor lowering life time and intensity. At high temperatures no emission from higher levels of donor is obtained which suggests blurring out of energy levels in glassy matrix.     

Energy transfer in LaMgB5O10:Pr,Mn under VUV excitation

Luminescent properties of Pr³⁺ or Mn²⁺ singly doped and Pr³⁺, Mn²⁺ co-doped LaMgB₅O₁₀ are investigated by synchrotron radiation VUV light. When LaMgB₅O₁₀:Pr³⁺ is excited at185 nm, the photon cascade emission between 4f levels of Pr³⁺ is observed. In the excitation spectra of LaMgB₅O₁₀:Mn²⁺ monitoring the 615 nm emission of Mn²⁺, several excitation bands in a spectral range from 330 to 580 nm are recorded, among which the most intense band is centered at 412 nm (⁶A_1g→⁴E_g-⁴A_1g). This band has considerable spectra overlap with the 410 nm emission (¹S₀→¹I₆) of Pr³⁺, which is favorable for energy transfer from Pr³⁺ to Mn²⁺. Such energy transfer is observed in the co-doped sample, converting the violet emission (410 nm) of Pr³⁺ into the red emission (615 nm) of Mn²⁺. The concentration dependence of transfer efficiency is also investigated.     

Effects of compositional phase transitions on luminescence of Sr1−xCaxTiO3:Pr

The mixed-compound of Sr_1−xCa_xTiO₃ has shown several compositional phase transformations. Photoluminescence and excitation spectra of the samples with different x and doped with 0.2% Pr³⁺ were investigated. Changes in the emission spectra were observed in different phases. The blue emission at 491 nm from ³P₀ state was found quite strong in the tetragonal phase, and was thermally quenched in the orthorhombic phases. The intensity of the red luminescence from ¹D₂ increases with increasing content of calcium. The strongest red emission is obtained from CaTiO₃:Pr³⁺. The results are discussed based on the configuration coordinate model and interaction of Pr with the charge transfer exciton state of the Ti complex.     

Absorption and emission spectra of yttria-stabilized zirconia and magnesium oxide

We have investigated the luminescence and absorption spectra of doped and undoped ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ and MgO crystals at room- and low temperatures. The crystals used are partly doped with the transition metals Ni, Co, Cr and the rare earth Pr. The emission spectra were obtained under laser excitation at different wavelengths. The observed optical emission and absorption bands of the MgO crystals doped with Ni, Co and Cr correspond to transitions between spin-orbit split crystal field levels of the transition metals. Luminescence and absorption bands of undoped yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) crystals are due to color centers, absorption bands of the doped YSZ correspond to the well known transitions of the Ni²⁺, Co²⁺ and Pr³⁺ ions, respectively. The emission spectra of the doped YSZ obtained under various laser excitations can be explained by an energy transfer process between the color center and the doping materials. The influence of annealing on the absorption and emission of Pr³⁺/Pr⁴⁺ is investigated.     

Optical observation of the kinetics of thermalization between the P0 and P1 excited states of Pr in symmetrical Pr-Gd pairs in CsCdBr3

The time dependence of thermalization between the ³P₀ and ³P₁ electronic states of Pr³⁺ in symmetrical Pr³⁺-Gd³⁺ pairs in CsCdBr₃, following pulsed laser excitation into either state, is reflected in the time dependence of the luminescence from both states. The ³P₀ and ³P₁ states achieve thermal equilibrium in the microsecond time domain over the temperature range of study (215-340 K). Because the ³P₀-³P₁ energy gap is larger than the phonon cutoff in CsCdBr₃, thermalization occurs via multiphonon processes. A rate-equation model for the thermalization process is presented, and the temperature dependence of the rate constants for ³P₁←³P₀ multiphonon absorption and ³P₁→³P₀ multiphonon emission is reported from 215-340 K. In contrast to CsCdBr₃, the analogous thermalization kinetics in Pr³⁺-Gd³⁺ pairs in isostructural CsMgCl₃ is not discernable in the ³P₀ and ³P₁ luminescence, because thermalization is instantaneous within the time resolution of our experiments (∼20 ns). The difference in the thermalization kinetics in the two lattices is attributed to the difference in the number of phonons required to bridge the ³P₀-³P₁ energy gap.     

Visible cw laser emission of GaN-diode pumped Pr:YAlO3 crystal

In the present work we report on spectroscopic properties and laser results of GaN laser diode pumped Pr:YAlO₃ crystal at room temperature. The polarization-resolved absorption and emission spectra have been recorded and the decay time of the ³ P ₀ manifold has been measured. Three samples with different Pr³⁺-ion concentrations in YAP matrix have been tested and compared. The best results were achieved for 0.6 at. % Pr³⁺-ion doping: an output power of 91 mW at 746.9-nm wavelength with a maximum slope efficiency of 45% with respect to the absorbed power.