Luminescence study of the 4f5d configuration of Nd in LiYF4, LiLuF4 and BaY2F8 crystals

Ultraviolet fluorescence of Nd³⁺ ions induced by triphotonic excitation process was studied in Nd-doped LiYF₄, LiLuF₄ and BaY₂F₈ crystals using a technique of time-resolved spectroscopy. The observed ultraviolet luminescence was due to transitions between the bottom of 4f²5d configuration and 4f³ states of Nd³⁺ ions. Narrow emission lines superposed to the broadband emissions were observed. A detailed analysis of luminescence spectrum revealed that the narrow emissions are due to parity and spin allowed radiative transitions from the Stark levels of ⁴K_11/2(5d) state created by the electrostatic interaction between the 5d electron and the two electrons of the 4f² configuration. The narrow emissions are related to the high spin state (S=3/2) which gives f-f characteristics to the f-d broadband emissions. The narrow emissions superposed to the wide emission correspond to 18%, 34% and 43% of the integrated broadband emission at 262 nm observed in LiYF₄, LiLuF₄ and BaY₂F₈ crystals, respectively. Although the 5d-4f² interaction is observed to be weaker than 5d-crystal field interaction, it is stronger enough to select only the radiative transitions from 4f²5d configuration to 4f³ states that preserves the total spin S=3/2.     

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.     

Photoluminescence in MgxSr1−xAl2O4:Eu, Ndand electron-vibrational interaction in the Eu 5d states

Green phosphor compositions Mg_xSr_1−xAl₂O₄:Eu, Nd (with x=0.05-0.25) were prepared by solid state reaction method. The effect of Mg substitution on photoluminescence characteristics was investigated. The photoluminescence show intense green emission for MgSrAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Nd³⁺ with long persistence. This green emission corresponds to transitions from 4f⁶5d¹ to 4f⁷ of Eu²⁺ ion. Comparative analysis of the excitation and emission spectra were used to evaluate the crystal field splitting of the 5d states of Eu²⁺ and the parameters of electron-vibrational interaction, such as Huang-Rhys factor, effective phonon energy, and zero-phonon line position.     

An efficient co-doping of Eu and Er in CaAl2O4 aluminate phosphor

CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺ co-doped with varying concentrations of Er³⁺ was prepared by solid-state reaction method. Prepared materials with 1 mol% Eu²⁺ and 2-10 mol% of Er³⁺ were investigated for their photoluminescence properties. Phase, morphology and crystalline structure were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Broad band UV-excited luminescence was observed for CaAl₂O₄:Eu²⁺, Er³⁺ in the blue region (λ_max=440 nm) due to transitions from 4f⁶5d¹ to the 4f⁷ configuration of the Eu²⁺ ion. The Er³⁺ ion co-doping generates deep traps, which results in longer decay time for phosphorescence.     

Spectra, energy levels, and symmetry assignments for Stark components of Eu(4f) in gadolinium gallium garnet (Gd3Ga5O12)

Absorption and fluorescence spectra observed between 450 and 750 nm at 85 K and room temperature (300 K) are reported for Eu³⁺(4f⁶) in single-crystal Czochralski-grown garnet, Gd₃Ga₅O₁₂ (GGG). The spectra represent transitions between the ^2S+1L_J multiplets of the 4f⁶ electronic configuration of Eu³⁺ split by the crystal field of the garnet. In absorption, Eu³⁺ transitions are observed from the ground state, ⁷F₀, and the first excited multiplet, ⁷F₁, to multiplet manifolds ⁵D₀, ⁵D₁, and ⁵D₂. The Stark splitting of the ⁷F_J multiplets (J=0-6) was determined by analyzing the fluorescence transitions from ⁵D₀, ⁵D₁, and ⁵D₂ to ⁷F_J. The Eu³⁺ ions replace Gd³⁺ ions in sites of D₂ symmetry in the lattice during crystal growth. Associated with each multiplet manifold are 2J+1 non-degenerate Stark levels characterized by one of four possible irreducible representations (irreps) assigned by an algorithm based on the selection rules for electric-dipole (ED) and magnetic-dipole (MD) transitions between Stark levels in D₂ symmetry. The quasi-doublet in ⁵D₁ was characterized by an analysis of the magneto-optical spectra obtained from the transitions observed between ⁵D₁ and ⁷F₁. A parameterized Hamiltonian defined to operate within the entire 4f⁶ electronic configuration of Eu³⁺ was used to model the experimental Stark levels and their irreps. The crystal-field parameters were determined through use of a Monte-Carlo method in which nine independent crystal-field parameters, were given random starting values and optimized using standard least-squares fitting between calculated and experimental levels. The final fitting standard deviation between 57 calculated-to-experimental Stark levels is 5.9 cm⁻¹. The choice of coordinate system, in which the nine are real and the crystal-field z-axis is parallel to the [0 0 1] crystal axis and perpendicular to the xy plane, is identical to the choice we used previously in analyzing the spectra of Er³⁺ and Ho³⁺ garnets.     

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.     

X-ray excited optical luminescence spectrum of Pr-doped YPO4

The X-ray excited optical luminescence spectrum of Pr³⁺ in YPO₄ was investigated. In addition to the sharp line f-f transitions involving the energy levels of the 4f² configuration of Pr³⁺ ion, the spectrum contains some broad groups of fluorescence lines in the ultraviolet and blue region. These groups of fluorescence are attributed to transitions from the lowest 4f^I5d state at 43050 cm^-1 to the 4f² levels of the Pr³⁺ion in YPO₄.     

Upconverted 5d-4f luminescence from Er and Nd ions doped into fluoride hosts excited by ArF and KrF excimer lasers

We report on observation of upconverted VUV luminescence due to 5d-4f radiative transitions in Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions doped into some fluoride crystals, under excitation by ArF and KrF excimer lasers, respectively. Only spin-forbidden 5d-4f luminescence of Er³⁺ (at 165 nm) was detected from the LiYF₄:Er³⁺ crystal whereas both spin-forbidden (at 169 nm) and spin-allowed (at 160.5 nm) components are observed from the BaY₂F₈:Er³⁺ crystal, the latter being much weaker than in the case of one-photon excitation. Nd³⁺ 5d-4f luminescence at 180 and 173 nm has been detected from the LiYF₄:Nd³⁺ and LaF₃:Nd³⁺ crystals, respectively. The shift of short-wavelength edge of 5d-4f emission spectra towards longer wavelengths is observed under temperature increase from 15 to 293 K. The observed effects in the spectra of Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺ doped crystals were interpreted as a result of reabsorption of 5d-4f luminescence escaping from the bulk of the crystals.     

Enhanced luminescence of Tb by efficient energy transfer from Ce in Sr2B5O9Cl host

Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ co-doped Sr₂B₅O₉Cl phosphors with intense green emission were prepared by the conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction technique. A broad band centered at about 315 nm was found in phosphor Sr₂B₅O₉Cl: Ce³⁺, Tb³⁺ excitation spectrum, which was attributed to the 4f-5d transition of Ce³⁺. The typical sharp line emissions ranging from 450 to 650 nm were originated from the ⁵D₄ → ⁷F_J (J = 6, 5, 4, 3) transitions of Tb³⁺ ions. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of green emission from Tb³⁺ was enhanced remarkably by co-doping Ce³⁺ in the Tb³⁺ solely doped Sr₂B₅O₉Cl phosphor because of the dipole-dipole mechanism resonant energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Tb³⁺ ions. The energy transfer process was investigated in detail. In light of the energy transfer principles, the optimal composition of phosphor with the maximum green light output was established to be Sr_1.64Ce_0.08Tb_0.1Li_0.18B₅O₉Cl by the appropriate adjustment of dopant concentrations. The PL intensity of Tb³⁺ in the phosphor was enhanced about 40 times than that of the Tb³⁺ single doped phosphor under the excitation of their optimal excitation wavelengths.     

Luminescence of Mn ions in ordered and disordered LiAl5O8

The phosphorescence and excitation spectra of Mn ions in the ordered and disordered phases of LiAl₅O₈ have been measured. In both phases Mn²⁺ ions substitute for Al³⁺ ions in two different tetrahedral sites of the LiAl₅O₈ lattice. In both sites in the ordered phase, sharp zero-phonon transitions have been observed in the low temperature phosphorescence and excitation spectra - these transitions were considerably broadened in the disordered phase due to crystal field inhomogeneity in that phase. The deviation from neutrality caused by the Mn²⁺ ions in the ordered phase is largely compensated by Mn⁴⁺ ions occupying octahedral Al³⁺ sites. On disordering, a large proportion of Mn⁴⁺ is reduced to Mn²⁺, while the remainder takes up a site with a higher proportion of Li⁺ ions as next nearest neighbours. This leads to an increase in the ionicity of the Mn⁴⁺ site in the disordered phase and hence to a larger value of the Racah parameter B.     

Analysis of the ν2 + ν3 band of 12CH4 and 13CH4

The ν₂ + ν₃ bands of ¹²CH₄ and ¹³CH₄ occurring in the region 4400–4650 cm^?1 have been studied from spectra recorded with a high-resolution Fourier transform spectrometer (resolution better than 0.01 cm^?1). Champion's Hamiltonian expansion, Canad. J. Phys.55, 1802 (1977), is applied to the problem of the two interacting F₁ and F₂ vibrational sublevels of this type of a band. As the P branch of ν₂ + ν₃ is strongly overlapped by neighboring bands, a combination-difference method, adapted to tetrahedral XY₄ molecules has been developed to help assignments of lines. A fit of 700 transitions has been performed using 13 new effective constants in the case of ¹²CH₄. In the case of ¹³CH₄, 532 transitions have been fit to 18 constants. The known parameters, relative to the vibrational ground state and the ν₃ state for both methanes, and the ν₂ state for ¹²CH₄ were fixed throughout. Most of the perturbed levels, up to J′ = 12, are well reproduced and the general agreement between experimental and calculated transitions is satisfactory with standard deviations of 0.047 cm^?1 (¹²CH₄) and 0.041 cm^?1 (¹³CH₄). The results (order of magnitude of obtained (ν₂ + ν₃) parameters and comparison of observed and computed intensities) indicate that the ν₂ + ν₃ band is perturbed by many other bands.     

Low-temperature high-resolution VUV spectroscopy of Ce doped LiYF4, LiLuF4 and LuF3 crystals

For LiYF₄:Ce³⁺, LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺ and LuF₃:Ce³⁺ crystals UV/visible emission and time-resolved VUV/UV excitation spectra were recorded at liquid helium temperature with spectral resolution of 0.1 nm for excitation spectra and better than 0.3 nm for emission spectra. Well resolved fine structures due to zero-phonon lines were clearly observed in both excitation and emission spectra for LiYF₄:Ce³⁺ and LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺. For LuF₃:Ce³⁺ crystal no fine structure was detected in the spectra even at the highest spectral resolution. Under the host excitation, the fine structure for high-energy emission band of Ce³⁺ (5d-²F_5/2) in LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺ becomes well pronounced because of weaker reabsorption effect, as compared to Ce³⁺ 4f-5d absorption, due to small penetration depth for exciting radiation. As a result the crystal-field splitting for ²F_7/2 and ²F_5/2 levels of Ce³⁺ in LiLuF₄ crystal was measured. First observation of zero-phonon lines at ∼81,550 and ∼82,900 cm⁻¹ as well as vibronic side bands due to interconfigurational 4f¹⁴-4f¹³5d transitions in Lu³⁺ is reported for excitation spectrum of LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺.     

SrAl12O19：Pr3+中4f2→4f2电偶极跃迁强度参量化

对SrAl₁₂O₁₉：Pr³⁺中4f²→4f²电偶极跃迁强度的参量化进行了研究.考虑明确的4f5d组态成分与4f²跃迁能级混杂对4f²组态内跃迁的影响.引入新的强度参数T_kq，参数值由³P₀能级的相关实验数据拟合.利用拟合的参数T₃₃和T₅₃计算¹S₀向下各能级发射的跃迁强度，计算值与实验及Judd-Ofelt理论的结果进行了比较. 关键词： 12O₁₉：Pr³⁺')" href="#">SrAl₁₂O₁₉：Pr³⁺ 宇称态混杂 4f5d组态 强度参数     

Inversion of the relative probabilities of the f-f and f-d transitions in the Ln3+ lanthanide ions at their radio- and sonoexcitation as compared to photoexcitation

The results of measuring the efficiencies of the formation of electronically excited states of the Ln³⁺ lanthanide ions in aqueous solutions in the processes of radioluminescence and multibubble sonoluminescence are analyzed. In both cases, electronic excitation occurs due to inelastic collisions of Ln³⁺ ions with (for radioluminescence) charged ionizing particles in liquid and (for multibubble sonoluminescence) high-energy particles, primarily electrons, in the gas phase of cavitation bubbles. In both processes, the efficiencies of exciting ions whose luminescence states appear in the 4f-5d transitions (Ce³⁺ and Pr³⁺) are significantly lower (by an order of magnitude or larger) than the efficiencies of exciting ions whose luminescence states appear in the 4f-4f transitions (Gd³⁺ and Tb³⁺). Therefore, the probability of the f-d transitions is lower than the probability of the f-f transitions in lanthanide ions excited by collisions with the charged particles and the relative probabilities of these transitions are inverted in these processes as compared to photoexcitation. Original Russian Text ? G.L. Sharipov, 2007, published in Pis’ma v Zhurnal éksperimental’noĭ i Teoreticheskoĭ Fiziki, 2007, Vol. 85, No. 9, pp. 559–562.     

Luminescence of La3F3[Si3O9]:Ce

The luminescence properties of Ce³⁺ in La₃F₃[Si₃O₉] are reported. Excitation and emission bands corresponding to 4f¹→5d¹ transitions of Ce³⁺ were identified. The center of gravity of the 5d states lies at remarkable high energy (43.2×10³ cm⁻¹) for Ce³⁺ in a silicate compound. This high value is attributed to the combined oxygen/fluoride coordination of the Ce³⁺ ion. Emission from the lowest 4f5d level to the ²F_5/2 and ²F_7/2 levels was found at 32.4×10³ and 30.4×10³ cm⁻¹. These results are compared with literature data on silicates and fluorides. From the values found for Ce³⁺, predictions are made for the positions of the 4f5d bands of Pr³⁺ and Er³⁺ in La₃F₃[Si₃O₉]. For both ions, it is concluded that in this host lattice emission is expected from high lying 4fⁿ energy levels.     

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.     

The 4d auger,coster-kronig,and recombination spectra of the lanthanides

A complete set of electron-excited 4d-basedAuger spectra of the lanthanide metals from lanthanum to lutetium (except the unstable promethium) is presented, in both differential and integral forms. It is believed that the set is more representative of clean surfaces of the lanthanides than any published hitherto. With the help of binding energy and electron loss measurements made in this laboratory and elsewhere, values of the various possible Auger, Coster—Kronig, and direct recombination transition energies are calculated, and for each transition a “centre of gravity” is derived based on relative intensities of final state multiplets, electron occupation of core levels, etc. By using arguments based on trends in the spectra across the series, on theoretically and experimentally derived values of U_eff for the difference 4fⁿ⁺¹→4f^n?1, and on plausibility, values of U_eff for 4fⁿ→ 4f^n?2 as well as for the other final state hole pair configurations are allocated. The relaxed transition energies so calculated are then compared with the experimental energies, from which it is possible in most cases to make assignment of the spectral features to the various transitions. As a result it is found that there are some significant disagreements with the theoretical rates of McGuire for lanthanide free atoms. The reasons for these disagreements are discussed, and an empirical model based on effective 4f and 5d populations and on the restrictions imposed by spin alignment is used to resolve the differences qualitatively.     

Nonradiative decay from 5d states of rare earths in crystals

Nonradiative decay from 4f^n?1 5d states was investigated for trivalent rare earths in Y₃Al₅O₁₂. The rates of both 5d→4f and 5d→5d transitions were determined from measurements of the lifetimes and intensities of 5d fluorescence from Ce³⁺ and Pr³⁺. Because of the stronger ion-lattice coupling, nonradiative decay rates for transitions involving 5d states are much faster than those between 4f states. Decay rates are dependent upon the temperature and the energy gap to the next-lower level. The temperature dependences of the 5d fluorescence lifetimes from 77 to 700°K are reported.     

Crystal field splitting of 5d states in Ce3+:YPO4

The superposition model is used to obtain a new identification of the 5d levels in Ce³⁺: YPO₄, resulting in a revised parametrization of the 5d crystal field. Electrostatic and pseudo-potential models are employed to relate these parameters to those obtained from 4f crystal field splittings.     

Synthesis and photoluminescence properties of Sm-doped LaMgB5O10 and GdMgB5O10

Luminescence and reflection spectra as well as luminescence kinetics of the 1 mol% Sm³⁺-doped crystalline lanthanum magnesium meta borate (LaMgB₅O₁₀) and gadolinium magnesium meta borate (GdMgB₅O₁₀) were analyzed. Materials were synthesized by conventional solid state route and showed bright orange-red emission under UV excitation. Emission spectra contain sharp and well resolved Sm³⁺⁴G_5/2→⁶H_J transitions indicating a strong crystal-field effect. In case of gadolinium compound energy transfer between Gd³⁺ and Sm³⁺ was detected. The luminescent kinetics of the Sm³⁺ in analyzed powders is characterized by single exponential decay and experimental values vary in the range 2.2-2.4 ms.