X-ray excited optical luminescence of Ce-doped BaAl2O4

The luminescence properties of Ce³⁺ in BaAl₂O₄ are reported. The results of simultaneous measurements of XEOL and XAS in the X-ray energy range that includes the Ba L_II,III-edges and Ce L_III edge are shown. The XEOL yield increases as the energy of the photons increases. The radioluminescence spectra, taken from 200 to 1100 nm, showed broad emission bands corresponding to 5d¹→²F_5/2, ²F_7/2 transitions of Ce³⁺ when incorporated into two nonequivalent Ba sites. The lifetime of the light emission was also measured using the single bunch operation mode at the Brazilian National Synchrotron Laboratory (LNLS), and BaAl₂O₄:Ce³⁺ showed single exponential decay time component of about 44.3 ns.     

Time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy of pure and doped with Ce3+ ions SrAlF5 crystals

The results of a study of time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) and energy transfer in both pure and doped with Ce³⁺ ions SrAlF₅ (SAF) single crystals are presented. The time-resolved and steady-state PL spectra in the energy range of 1.5–6.0 eV, the PL excitation spectra and the reflectivity in the energy range of 3.7–21 eV, as well as the PL decay kinetics were measured at 8.8 and 295 K. The lattice defects were revealed in the low temperature PL spectra (emission bands at 2.9 and 4.5 eV) in the undoped SAF crystals. The luminescence spectra of the doped Ce³⁺:SAF crystals demonstrate a new selective emission bands in the range of 3.7–4.5 eV with the exponential decay kinetics (τ ≈ 60 ns at X-ray excitation). These bands correspond to the d-f transitions in Ce³⁺ ions, which occupy nonequivalent sites in the crystal lattice.     

Electronic excitations and luminescence of SrAlF5 crystals doped with Ce3+ ions

This paper reports the results of a time-resolved photoluminescence and energy transfer processes study in Ce³⁺ doped SrAlF₅ single crystals. Several Ce³⁺ centers emitting near 4 eV due to 5d-4f transitions of Ce³⁺ ions substituting for Sr²⁺ in non-equivalent lattice sites were identified. The lifetime of these transitions is in the range of 25–35 ns under intra-center excitation in the energy region of 4–7 eV at T = 10 K. An effective energy transfer from lattice defects to dopant ions was revealed in the – 7–11 eV energy range. Both direct and indirect excitation channels are efficient at room temperature. Excitons bound to dopants are revealed at T = 10 K under excitation in the fundamental absorption region above 11 eV, as well as radiative decay of self-trapped excitons resulting in luminescence near 3 eV.     

Luminescence and Scintillation Characterization of Cs2NaGdBr6: Ce3+ Single Crystal

Luminescence and scintillation properties of newly discovered bromo-elpasolites Cs₂NaGdBr₆: Ce³⁺ (CNGB: Ce³⁺) are presented. Single crystals of CNGB: Ce³⁺ with dimensions up to Ø7×10 mm³ are successfully grown by the Bridgman technique. X-ray excited luminescence measurements of the grown samples showed a broad emission band in the wavelength range from 365 to 470 nm. It offered an energy resolution of 5.1% (FWHM) at 662 keV for 10% Ce sample. The light output of the investigated samples increases along with cerium concentration. A maximum light yield of ～36,800 ph/MeV is measured for the 10% Ce sample crystal. Under γ-ray excitation, CNGB: Ce³⁺ crystals showed three exponential decay time components. The scintillation mechanism in the sample crystal is presented.     

Mechanisms for Ce3+ excitation at energies below the zero-phonon line in YAG crystals and nanocrystals

Excitation of YAG:Ce³⁺ crystals and nanocrystals was performed at λ_exc=473–584 nm over a wide temperature range. It was observed that the luminescence of both nano- and single-crystal YAG:Ce samples is efficiently excited with photon energies well below the Ce³⁺ absorption band and at least 1650 cm^?1 below the ZPL of the 4f¹(²F_5/2)?4f⁰5d¹ transition, located at 489 nm. The studies of Ce³⁺ fluorescence spectra as a function of temperature and excitation wavelength and of their temporal evolution point to the role of phonon-assisted nonradiative energy transfer between different groups of Ce³⁺ centers in the excitation mechanism.     

Cooperative down-conversion of UV light in disordered scheelitelike Yb-doped NaGd(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> and NaLa(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript> crystals

Concentration series of disordered scheelitelike Yb:NaGd(MoO₄)₂ and Yb:NaLa(MoO₄)₂ single crystals are grown by the Czochralski method. The actual concentrations of Yb³⁺ ions in the crystals are determined by optical-absorption spectroscopy. The luminescence of Yb³⁺ ions in these crystals in the region of 1 μm is studied under UV and IR excitation. In the case of UV excitation, this luminescence appears as a result of nonradiative excited state energy transfer from donor centers of unknown nature to ytterbium. The character of the concentration dependence of Yb³⁺ luminescence indicates that the energy transfer at high Yb concentrations occurs with active participation of a cooperative mechanism, according to which the excitation energy of one donor center is transferred simultaneously to two Yb³⁺ ions. In other words, the quantum yield of this transfer exceeds unity, which can be used to increase the efficiency of crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cells.     

Effect of Yb3+ concentration on photoluminescence properties of cubic Gd2O3 phosphor

Yb³⁺ doped phosphor of Gd₂O₃ (Gd₂O₃:Yb³⁺) have been prepared by solid state reaction method. The structure and the particle size have been determined by X-ray powder diffraction measurements. The average particle size of the phosphor is in between 35 and 50 nm. The particle size and structure of the phosphor was further confirmed by TEM analysis. The visible and NIR luminescence spectra were recorded under the 980 nm laser excitation. The visible upconversion luminescence of Yb³⁺ ion was due to cooperative luminescence and the presence of rare earth impurity ions. The cooperative upconversion and NIR luminescence spectra as a function of Yb³⁺ ion concentration were measured and the emission intensity variation with Yb³⁺ ion concentration was discussed. Yb³⁺ energy migration quenched the cooperative luminescence of Gd₂O₃:Yb³⁺ phosphor with doping level over 5%, while the NIR emission luminescence continuously increases with increasing Yb³⁺ ion concentration.     

Irregular Ceand defect-related luminescence in YAlO3 single crystal

Using the methods of time-resolved and steady-state luminescence spectroscopies, the luminescence and defects creation processes were studied at 4.2-300 K under excitation in the 3.0-10.5 eV energy range for an YAlO₃:Ce crystal with very low concentration of Ce³⁺ ions. The results were compared with those obtained at the study of YAlO₃:Ce crystals with large Ce³⁺ content coming from the same technological laboratory. Three irregular Ce³⁺ centers were found and two intrinsic defect luminescence centers related to the cation and oxygen vacancies were evidenced. The origin and structure of luminescence centers are discussed.     

White LED based on nano-YAG:Ce3+/YAG:Ce3+,Gd3+ hybrid phosphors

Nano-YAG:Ce³⁺ and YAG:Ce³⁺,Gd³⁺ phosphors were synthesized by glycothermal method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements showed that the samples can be well-crystallized at 600 °C. The transition electron microscope (TEM) showed that the particles have sizes mostly in the range between 35 and 100 nm. The YAG:Ce nano-phosphor had a wide emission band ranging from blue to yellow peaking at 532 nm, due to the transition from the lowest 5d band to ²F_7/2, ²F_5/2 states of the Ce³⁺ ion. Red-shift of emission peak wavelength from 532 nm to 568 nm has been achieved as doping Gd³⁺ ions into the YAG:Ce³⁺ to substitute some Y³⁺ ions. White LEDs were fabricated by combining GaN (460 nm) chip with the YAG:Ce³⁺ and YAG:Ce³⁺,Gd³⁺. Color rendering index of the white LED as a function of the ratios of theses two kinds of phosphors was studied. As the ratio of YAG:Ce³⁺,Gd³⁺ phosphor increased, the color rendering index of the LED improved significantly under the forward bias of 20 mA. As the ratio of YAG:Ce³⁺ and YAG:Ce³⁺,Gd³⁺ was 11:9, the white LED had a color rendering index, CIE chromaticity coordinates and color temperature T_c of 85, (0.3116, 0.3202) and 6564 K, respectively.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of Gd6MoO12:Yb3+, Er3+ phosphor with enhanced photoluminescence by Li+ doping

Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ co-doped Gd₆MoO₁₂ and Yb³⁺/Er³⁺/Li⁺ tri-doped Gd₆MoO₁₂ phosphors were prepared by adjusting the annealing temperature via the high temperature solid-state method. Under the excitation of 980 nm semiconductor, the upconversion luminescence properties were investigated and discussed. In the experimental process, we get the optimum Yb³⁺ concentration and the concentration quench effect will happen while the concentration extends the given region. According to the Yb³⁺ concentration quenching effects, the critical distance between Yb³⁺ ions had been calculated. The measured UC luminescence exhibited a strong red emission near 660 nm and green emission at 530 nm and 550 nm, which are due to the transitions of Er³⁺(⁴F_9/2, ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2) → Er³⁺(⁴I_15/2). Then the effect of excitation power density in different regions on the upconversion mechanisms was investigated and the calculated results demonstrate that the green and red upconversion is a two-photon process. A possible mechanism was discussed. After Li⁺ ions mixing, the upconversion emission enhanced largely, and the optimum Li⁺ concentration was obtained while fixed the Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺ on the above optimum concentration. This enhancement owns to the decrease of the local symmetry around Er³⁺ after Li⁺ ions doping into the system. This result indicates that Li⁺ is a promising candidate for improving luminescence in some case.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and the enhanced blue upconversion luminescence of NaYF4:Nd3+,Tm3+,Yb3+

Nd³⁺, Tm³⁺ and Yb³⁺ co-doped NaYF₄ upconversion (UC) material was synthesized by the hydrothermal method. The structure of the sample was characterized by the X-ray diffraction, and its UC luminescence properties were investigated in detail. Under the 980 nm semiconductor laser excitation, its UC spectra exhibited distinct emission peaks at 451 nm, 475 nm and 646 nm respectively. On the basis of the comparison of UC spectra between NaYF₄:Nd³⁺,Tm³⁺,Yb³⁺ and NaYF₄:Tm³⁺,Yb³⁺, it was indicated that the existence of Nd³⁺ ion enhanced the blue emission intensity. The law of luminescence intensity versus pump power proved that the blue emission at 475 nm, and the red emission at 646 nm were the two-photon processes, while the blue emission at 451 nm was a three-photon process.     

Desvitrification on an oxyfluoride glass doped with Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions under Ar laser irradiation

Desvitrification in a Tm³⁺ and Yb³⁺ codoped oxyfluoride glass has been obtained by exciting with a continuous Argon laser radiation increasing the average laser power from 144 to 2900 mW. Excitation spectra inside a locally damaged zone in a 1 mol% Tm³⁺ and 2.5 mol% Yb³⁺ codoped glass have been measured under excitation in the wavelength range 750–830 nm detecting the ²F_5/2 (Yb³⁺) level. This curve is the result of the contribution of two different kinds of centers, the fluoride nanocrystals and the glassy phase of the glass ceramic sample created due to the irradiation. The weight of the contributions of each of the centers depends on the excitation wavelength, and from the analysis of the decay of the luminescence it can be concluded that approximately 80% of the Tm³⁺ ions are located in the nanocrystals and therefore less than 20% in the glassy phase.     

Spectral kinetics of Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions in double-fluoride crystals with a scheelite structure

The influence of the cation composition on the spectral kinetics of Ce³⁺ ions in double-fluoride crystals with a scheelite structure is studied. The importance of the photodynamic processes induced in these crystals by the exciting radiation is demonstrated. The difference in luminescence quantum efficiency between Ce³⁺ ions in LiYF₄ and LiLuF₄ crystals is found to be due to the different lifetimes of color centers produced in the samples by the exciting radiation and to the different efficiency of the free-carrier recombination at cerium impurity centers. It is shown that Yb³⁺ ions can increase the carrier recombination rate in the crystals.     

Growth and spectroscopic properties of RE, Mn:YAP (RE=Yb and Ce) photorefractive crystals

RE, Mn:YAP (RE=Yb and Ce) crystals with dimension of Φ 25×60 mm were successfully grown by the Czochralski method. The spectroscopic properties of RE, Mn:YAP (RE=Yb and Ce) crystals before and after γ-irradiation were investigated at room temperature. The results show that the content of Mn⁴⁺ ions was increased with the Yb³⁺ ions co-doping, but decreased by Ce³⁺ ions co-doping. Thermoluminescence (TL) spectra of the crystals indicate three steps of recombination, and the probable recombination processes were discussed.     

The spectroscopic properties of Yb3+ doped α-BBO crystal

2.0 mol% (relative to Ba²⁺) Yb³⁺ doped α-BaB₂O₄ (α-BBO) crystal was obtained by the Czochralski method. The doped crystal structure was determined by means of an X-ray diffraction analysis. The absorption, near-infrared (NIR) luminescence spectra and fluorescence decay curve of Yb³⁺ doped α-BBO crystal were investigated. NIR emission under 940 nm and 980 nm LDs (laser diodes) excitation was observed in the Yb doped α-BBO crystal.     

The luminescence and energy transfer in Pr3+–Ce3+ co-doped Lu0.8Sc0.2BO3 crystals

Lu_0.8Sc_0.2BO₃ crystals doped with 1 at%Ce³⁺ and co-doped 0.1 at% and 0.5 at%Pr³⁺ were grown by the Czochralski method. The concentrations of Pr³⁺ and Ce³⁺ in crystals were measured by the ICP-AES method. Absorption spectra, VUV–UV spectra, fluorescence decay time and X-ray excitation luminescence spectra were investigated at room temperature. The excitation luminescence spectra of Ce³⁺ emission and decay curves from the lower excited state levels of the 4f¹5d¹ and 5d¹ electronic configurations of the Pr³⁺ and Ce³⁺ conspicuously indicated the non-radiative energy transfer from Pr³⁺ to Ce³⁺. The detailed pathways were shown in the energy level diagram of the respective Ce³⁺ and Pr³⁺ in Lu_0.8Sc_0.2BO₃ host. In addition, the scintillation efficiency data indicated that the energy transfer effect is directly associated with the Pr³⁺ concentration.     

Ultraviolet to near-infrared downconversion in Yb3+–Na+ codoped Sr2CaWO6

This study investigated photoluminescent properties of Sr₂CaWO₆:Yb³⁺, Na⁺ phosphor. The samples were successfully synthesized via a solid-state reaction method with various doping concentrations. The phosphor can efficiently absorb ultraviolet photons of 250–350 nm and transfer its absorbed photon energy to Yb³⁺ ions. Then subsequent quantum cutting between WO₆ groups and Yb³⁺ ions takes place, down-converting an absorbed ultraviolet photon into two photons of 1007 nm radiations. Analyses of decay curves of different samples reveal an efficient energy transfer from WO₆ groups to Yb³⁺ ions. Cooperative energy transfer from host to Yb³⁺ ions is responsible for downconversion via lifetime analysis. Quantum efficiencies were calculated, and estimated maximum efficiency reached 190%. These phosphors combine wide wavelength absorption in the ultraviolet range with high quantum efficiency, enabling potential application of efficiency enhancement of Si solar cell.     

Upconversion luminescence in Tm3+/Yb3+co-doped lead tungstate tellurite glasses

This work reports the upconversion luminescence properties of Tm³⁺/Yb³⁺ ions in lead tungstate tellurite (LTT) glasses. Judd–Oflet intensity parameters have been obtained from the absorption band intensities of Tm³⁺ singly-doped and Tm³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped LTT glasses. The spontaneous emission probabilities, radiative lifetimes and branching ratios for ¹G₄ and ³H₄ emission levels of Tm³⁺ have been determined. Upconversion luminescence has been observed by exciting the samples at 980 nm (Yb³⁺:²F_7/2→²F_5/2) at room temperature. Four upconversion emission bands corresponding to the ¹G₄→³H₆ (477 nm), ¹G₄→³F₄ (651 nm), ¹G₄→³H₅ (702 nm) and ³H₄→³H₆ (810 nm) transitions have been identified. The relative variation in the intensities of upconversion bands, the different channels responsible for upconversion spectra and the effect of Yb³⁺ ions concentration on the upconversion luminescence of Tm³⁺ ions have also been discussed.     

Studies on luminescence properties and energy transfer in Ce/Dy co-doped CaS nano-phosphors

Luminescence properties of CaS:Ce co-doped with dysprosium has been studied. Ce/Dy co-doped CaS nanophosphors (CaS:Ce_0.25Dy_0.75, CaS:Ce_0.50Dy_0.50, CaS:Ce_0.75Dy_0.25) were synthesized using the solid state diffusion method. The phase purity of the samples was confirmed using XRD data. The particle size was calculated using Debye–Scherrer formula and was found to be varying between 50 and 60 nm for all the three samples (CaS:Ce_0.25Dy_0.75, CaS:Ce_0.50Dy_0.50 and CaS:Ce_0.75Dy_0.25). TEM image analysis of CaS:Ce_0.50Dy_0.50 shows nearly spherical particles with diameter varying between 50 and60 nm. One way energy transfer from Dy³⁺ to Ce³⁺ in CaS host has been investigated using photoluminescence studies. Thermoluminescence of these nanophosphors has been studied for 0.5 Gy–21 kGy dose of gamma rays and the dose linearity of CaS:Ce_0.50Dy_0.50 has been compared with CaSO₄:Dy (standard TL dosimeter). Linear behavior over a large dose range between 0.5 Gy and 21 kGy was found for CaS:Ce_0.50Dy_0.50 as compared to CaSO₄:Dy (nanocrystalline and microcrystalline) but it is found to be less sensitive than microcrystalline CaSO₄:Dy. To identify the peaks of Ce³⁺ and Dy³⁺ in CaS, the TL spectra of CaS, CaS:Ce, CaS:Dy and CaS:Ce_0.50Dy_0.50 were recorded. The addition of dopants does not add new peaks in CaS but aid to enhance the TL emission. The peaks in CaS may be associated to intrinsic traps in the host lattice.