Enhancement of upconversion luminescence of YAlO3：Er^3＋ by Gd^3＋ doping

Two series of Yb3+-doped silica glasses (YA and YAP) are fabricated using the sol-gel method, and their spectroscopic properties are investigated. The longest fluorescence lifetime of 0.96 ms is obtained in YAP2 and YAP3 glasses. The emission cross-section (σemi) and σemi ×τ of Yb3+ in the YAP1 glass are 1.00 pm2 and 0.94 pm2·ms, respectively. Co-doping with Al and P decreases the hydroxyl group content in the glasses because of the reduction in non-bridging oxygen content. The lowest OH content in the YAP3 glass is 9.6 ppm.     

Effects of Yb^3＋ in Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ Codoped Fluorophosphate Glasses

For the Er^3＋ /Yb^3＋ codoped fluorophosphate glasses, Judd-Ofelt theory is used to analyse the influence of YbF3 as not a sensitizer but an average component on the spectroscopic properties around 1530nm emission. The double roles of Yb^3＋, as a sensitizer and as an average component, are discussed. It is found that Yb^3＋ as an average component contributes to the increase of fluorescence lifetime, and Yb^3＋ as a sensitizer has the best sensitization when its concentration is 2.4 mol%.     

Effects of Li＋ on photoluminescence of Sr3SiOs： Sm3＋ red phosphor

The structure and photoluminescence （PL） properties of Sr3 SiO5： Sm3＋ and Li＋-doped Sr3SiOs： Sm3＋ red-emitting phosphors were investigated. Samples were prepared by the high-temperature solid-state method. PL spectra show that the concentration quenching occurs when the Sm3＋ concentration is beyond 1.3 mol% in Sr3SiOs： Sm3＋ phosphor without doping Li＋ ions. The concentration-quenching mechanism can be explained by the electric dipole-dipole interaction of Sm3＋ ions. The incorporation of Li＋ ions into Sr3SiOs： Sm3＋ phosphors, as a charge compensator, improves the PL properties. The lithium ions also suppress the concentration quenching in Sm3＋ with concentration increased from 1.3 tool% to 1.7 tool%.     

Upconversion luminescence of Tm^3＋/Yb^3＋ codoped oxyfluoride glasses

Novel oxyfluoride glasses are developed with the composition of 30SiO2-15Al2O3-28PbF2-22CdF2-0.1TmF3 - xYbF3 - （4.9 - x） AlF3（x=0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0） in tool fraction, Furthermore, the upconversion luminescence characteristics under a 970nm excitation are investigated. Intense blue, red and near infrared luminescences peaked at 453nm, 476nm, 647nm and 789nm, which correspond to the transitions of Tm^3＋： ^1D2 →^3F4, ^1G4 →^3H6, ^1G4 →^3F4, and ^3H4 →^3H6, respectively, are observed. Due to the sensitization of Yb^3＋ ions, all the upconversion luminescence intensities are enhanced considerably with Yb^3＋ concentration increasing. The upconversion mechanisms are discussed based on the energy matching rule and quadratic dependence on excitation power. The results indicate that the dominant mechanism is the excited state absorption for those upconversion emissions.     

2-um emission performance of Tm^3＋-Ho^3＋ co-doped tellurite glasses

The emission properties of 2-um region fluorescence of Tm^3＋-Ho^3＋ co-doped tellurite glasses are investigated. Introducing F- ions to the composition of tellurite glasses plays a positive effect on the 2-#m emission. A maximum intensity of 2-um emission is achieved when 1.5-mol% Tm2O3 and 1-mol% Ho203 concentration are doped in the glasses. The emission cross section and gain coefficient of the ^5I8-^5I7 transition of Ho^3＋ are calculated. The emission cross section has a maximum of 1.29×10-20 cm^2 at 2048 nm wavelength. The results indicate that Tm＆3＋-Ho^3＋ co-doped tellurite glasses are suitable for 2-um application.     

Spectral investigation of Sm3＋/yb3＋co-doped sodium tellurite glass

YAG-Ce,Nd,and Yb phosphors with a triple-doped system are prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method.The fluorescence emission and excitation spectra are measured and analyzed.The influences of Yb3+ doping concentration on the emission of Yb3+ and Nd3+ in YAG-Ce,Nd,and Yb are studied.The fluorescence decay spectra,lifetime,and energy transfer efficiency of Ce3+ in different host materials of YAG-Ce and Yb,and YAG-Ce,Nd,and Yb are also compared.Furthermore,the trends of fluorescence decay spectra and the lifetimes of Nd3+ and Yb 3+ in YAG-Ce,Nd,and Yb with the increase of Yb3+ concentration are discussed.Results indicate that YAG-Ce,Nd,and Yb are good candidates for downconverting phosphor,with energy transfer efficiency reaching as high as 82.8%.     

Effect of Al^3＋ on Photoluminescence Properties of Eu^3＋-Doped BaZr（BO3）2 Phosphors

We discuss the influence of Al^3＋ on the charge transfer state （CTS） and the photoluminescence properties of BaZr（BO3）2：Eu. The results reveal that there is a red shift which is about 20nm for the charge transfer state when doping with Al^3＋ and indicate the formation of ‘free＇ electrons due to the change of microstructures. In addition, the influence or Al^3＋ doping on the PPR is analysed and a new explanation is raised based on the photo luminescent mechanism. It is the CTS intensity rather than the CTS energy that influences the peak-peak ratio.     

Enhancement of up-conversion Yb3＋/Tm3＋/Er3＋ tri-doped tellurite glass luminescence properties in transparent oxyfluoride ceramics

Optically transparent Er3＋/Tm3＋/Yb3＋ tri-doped oxyfluoride tellurite based nano-crystallized glass ceramics with the batching composition of 73TeO2-15ZnO-7ZnF2-3YF3-1.5YbF3-0.3ErF3-0.2TmF3 （mol%） is prepared by a conventional melting quenching and the subsequent heat treatment processes. The sizes of grown nano-crystals in glass matrix appear to be smaller than 100 nm from the scanning electron mi- croscope measurement. Visible up-conversion luminescence of the as melted glass and glass ceramics is investigated. The three-color up-conversion luminescence intensities by 980-nm pumping are increased significantly due to the heat treatment, and the blue intensity increases with a higher magnitude than other wavelengths after heat treatment.     

Luminescence Spectra of YGG：RE^3＋, Bi^3＋ （RE = Eu and Tb） and Energy Transfer from Bi^3＋ to RE^3＋

We investigate the luminescence properties of Bi^3＋ and RE^3＋ （RE = Tb or Eu） in a Y3Ga5O12 （YGG） host system. The additional doping of Bi^3＋ can enhance the luminescence of Th^3＋ or Eu^3＋ in this host. Energy transfer from Bi^3＋ to Tb^3＋ and Eu^3＋ is observed and the mechanism of energy transfer is investigated. Mechanism of energy transfer can be explained as electric multipole interaction since the Bi^3＋ emission band and Tb^3＋ or Eu^3＋ excitation band overlaps and the Bi^3＋ emission intensity decreases while the intensity of Tb^3＋ or Eu^3＋ increases with the increase of Tb^3＋ or Eu^3＋ concentration. Therefore, Bi^3＋ ion is a kind of efficient sensitizer to the Tb^3＋ and Eu^3＋ activators in the Y3Ga5O12 host.     

Photoluminescence of an Yba＋/Al3＋-codoped microstructured optical fibre

An Yba＋/Al3＋-codoped microstructured optical fibre is prepared based on photonic crystal fibre technology. The characteristic spectra of preforms and fibres are experimentally investigated. The results show that under a 971 nm excitation, besides the known infrared fluorescence luminescence around 1050 nm, a blue luminescence peak at 486 nm is obtained. Moreover, an unexpected emission peak at 730 nm is also observed. The photoluminescence mechanism of an Yba＋/Al3＋-codoped microstructured optical fibre is discussed. The emission peak at 486 nm is attributed to the cooperative upconversion resulting from pairs of Yb3＋ ions, and the emission peak around 730 nm is ascribed to the stimulated Raman scattering because of nonlinear effects of microstructured optical fibre. The Yba＋/Al3＋-codoped microstructured optical fibre is promising for varieties of applications from laser printing and optical recording to cancer treatments, such as photodynamic therapy.     

Optical parameters of Nd3＋：Er3＋：yb3＋ co-doped borosilicate glasses and their energy transfers at high temperature

This paper reports that a series of Nd³⁺:Er³⁺:Yb³⁺ co-doped borosilicate glasses have been prepared and their absorption spectra measured. The J--O intensity parameters Ω_k (k=2, 4, 6), spontaneous radiative lifetime τ_rad, spontaneous transition probability A, fluorescence branching ratio β and oscillator strength f_ed of the Nd³⁺ ions at room temperature are calculated based on Judd--Ofelt (J--O) theory. The temperature dependence of the up-conversion photoluminescence characteristics in a Nd³⁺:Er³⁺:Yb³⁺ co-doped sample is studied under a 978 nm semiconductor laser excitation, and the energy transfer mechanisms among Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions are analysed. The results show that the J--O intensity parameters Ω₂ increase when the Nd³⁺ concentration of the Nd³⁺:Er³⁺:Yb³⁺ co-doped borosilicate glasses increases. The possibility of spontaneous transition is small and lifetimes are long at levels of ⁴F_5/2 and ⁴F_3/2. The intensity of Nd³⁺ emissions at 595, 691, 753, 813 and 887 nm are markedly enhanced when the sample temperature exceeds 400 K. The reasons being the cooperation of the secondary sensitization from Er³⁺ to Nd³⁺ and the contribution of a multi-phonon.     

Optical parameters and energy levels splitting of Ho^3＋ in Ho^3＋： GdVO4

Ho^3＋ ： GdVO4 is a new laser material suitable for high-power laser systems. In this paper we measure the absorption spectra of Ho^3＋ in the sample Ho^3＋： GdVO4. The intensity parameters are calculated by using the Judd-Ofelt theory. Some predicted spectroscopic parameters, such as the spontaneous radiative transition rate, branching ratio and integrated emission cross section are dealt with. And we also compare the optical parameters with those of other materials. From these results, it is found that there are many transitions which have large oscillator strengths and large integrated emission cross sections. Especially the transitions such as ^5 F4 → ^5 I 8, ^5 S2→^5 I8, ^5 F5 → ^5 I8 and ^5 I7 →^ 5 I8 are useful in solid-state lasers and other fields. Finally, we discuss the splitting of the energy levels of Ho^3＋ in the crystal GdVO4 based on the group theory.     

Spectroscopic properties and mechanism of Tm^3＋/Er^3＋/Yb^3＋ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glass ceramics containing BaF2 nanocrystals

Transparent Tm^3＋/Er^3＋/yb^3＋ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glass ceramics containing BaF2 nanocrystals are prepared. Under excitation of a 980-nm laser diode （LD）, compared with the glass before heat treatment, the Tm^3＋/Er^3＋/yb^3＋ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glass ceramics can emit intense blue, green and red up-conversion luminescence and Stark- split peaks; X-ray diffraction （XRD） and transmission electron microscope （TEM） results show that BaF2 nanocrystals with an average diameter of 20 nm are precipitated from the glass matrix. Stark splitting of the up-conversion luminescence peaks in the glass ceramics indicates that Tm^3＋, Er^3＋ and （or） Yb^3＋ ions are incorporated into the BaF2 nanocrystals. The up-conversion luminescence intensities of Tm^3＋, Er^3＋ and the splitting degree of luminescence peaks in the glass ceramics increase significantly with the increase of heat treat temperature and heat treat time extension. In addition, the possible energy transfer process between rare earth ions and the up-conversion luminescence mechanism are also proposed.     

Influences of Mg^2＋ ion on dopant occupancy and upconversion luminescence of Ho^3＋ ion in LiNbO3 crystal

The effects of a Mg^2＋ ion on the dopant occupancy and upconversion luminescence of a Ho^3＋ ion in LiNbO3 crystal are reported. The birefringence gradient of the crystal is measured to investigate the optical homogeneity. The X-ray powder diffraction spectrum and the upconversion luminescence are used to investigate defect structure and spectroscopic properties of Mg,Ho：LiNbO3. Under 808-nm excitation, blue, red, and very intense yellow-green bands are observed. Based on the energy levels of Ho^3＋ in LiNbO3, and the pump intensity dependence of the observed emission, an excitation scheme is presented. The upconversion emission spectra reveal an enhancement of upconversion intensity when the Mg^2＋ ions are introduced into Ho：LiNbO3. The main upconversion mechanism is discussed in this work.     

Investigation of emission properties of Tm3＋：Y2O3 transparent ceramic

A transparent and emitting ceramic of Y 2 O 3 doped with 6% Tm 3+ ions is fabricated by vacuum sintering with ZrO 2 . Absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and PL excitation (PLE) spectra are investigated in a spectral range of 200 to 2 100 nm at various temperatures between 296 and 12 K. Intense emission band appears at 450 to 465 nm in the visible range. Near-infrared emission bands are observed at 1 200 to 1 300 nm and 1 400 to 1 550 nm, with intense peaks at 1 270, 1 450, and 1 523 nm. The luminescence mechanisms and potential applications of the emissions are discussed with the help of Judd-Ofelt theory and PLE spectra.     

Theoretical calculation of of B-like ions： photoionization cross sections N^2＋, O^3＋ and F^4＋

There can be found some notable discrepancies with regard to the resonance structures when R-matrix calculations from the Opacity Project and other sources are compared with recent absolute experimental measurements of Bizau et al [Astron.Astrophts.439 387(2005)] for B-like ions N2+,O3+ and F4+.We performed close-coupling calculations based on the R-matrix formalism for the photoionizations of ions mentioned above both for the ground states and first excited states in the near threshold regions.The present results are compared with experimental ones given by Bizau et al and earlier theoretical ones.Excellent agreement is obtained between our theoretical results and the experimental photoionization cross sections.The present calculations show a significant improvement over the previous theoretical results.     

Energy transfer relation of a novel Ce3＋/Pr3＋/Eu3＋ co-doped Sr2.975-xLaxAIO4＋xF1-x solid solution phosphor

The photoluminescence properties and energy transfer of a new Ce3＋/pr3＋/Eu3＋ co-doped solid-solution composi- tion of Sr2.975-xLaxAlO4＋xF1-x （LSAF） phosphor are investigated. Upon doping Pr3＋ into lattices of LSAF：Ce host, a shoulder emission peak is observed at about 620 nm, owing to the transition of 1D2 →3H4. Addition of Eu3＋ to LSAF：Ce3＋, Pr3＋ phosphor results in a sharp emission peaked at 675 nm for the 5D0 →TF3 transition and an increase of the intensity of red emission for Pr3＋ with increasing Eu3＋ concentration. The pathways of energy transfer among Ce3＋, Pr3＋, and Eu3＋ are proposed to be responsible for color addition of a red component to the primary yellow emission, enabling a potential adjustable color for blue excitable warm white.     

Spectroscopic investigation of a new crystal： Nd^3＋,Yb^3＋：YVO4

The absorption and emission spectra of the YVO4 single crystal co-doped with 1 at.% Nd^3＋ and 1 at.% Yb^3＋ are investigated. The efficient Nd^3＋ → Yb^3＋ energy transfer and the back transfer （Yb^3＋ → Nd^3＋） are observed at room temperature. The fluorescence lifetime of the 4F3/2 level of Nd^3＋ in Nd,Yb：YVO4 is measured under 808 nm laser light excitation. The efficiency of Nd^3＋ → Yb^3＋ energy transfer in YVO4 is determined to be about 34%.     

Spectroscopic Properties of Yb^3＋-doped Germano-Silicate Glasses

We investigate the absorption, stimulated emission cross section and potential laser parameters of Yb^3 doped gernano-silicate glasses (GSY glass). The emission cross section is evaluated by using the measured absorption spectra and the principle of reciprocity. It is found that Yb^3 in GSY glasses has high stimulated emission cross section of 0.5-0.65pm^2 near 1020nm and exists long measured fluorescence lifetime of 1.20-2.00ms. Compared with other glass hosts, the GSY glass exhibits excellent general spectroscopic properties for Yb^3 -doped double-cladding fibres.