Spectroscopy and energy level location of the trivalent lanthanides in LiYP4O12

The excitation and emission properties of the lanthanides Ce³⁺, Pr³⁺, Nd³⁺, Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, Tb³⁺, Er³⁺, Tm³⁺, and Yb³⁺ in LiYP₄O₁₂ were studied by vacuum ultra-violet spectroscopy at 10 K. It provides information on the energies of 4f-5d excitation and emission bands. In the case of Er³⁺ spin forbidden emission was observed. Charge transfer excitation bands were identified for Eu³⁺, Sm³⁺, Tm³⁺, and Yb³⁺, and in the case of Yb³⁺ charge transfer luminescence is observed. All data appear to be consistent with each other and have been used to construct a level scheme showing the location of the energy levels of all trivalent and divalent lanthanides in LiYP₄O₁₂.