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Title: Near-infrared quantum-cutting luminescence and energy transfer properties of Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+},Ce{sup 3+} phosphors

Journal Article · · Journal of Applied Physics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4890016· OSTI ID:22308448

The phosphors Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} by co-doping Ce{sup 3+} have been synthesized by conventional high-temperature solid-state reaction method. Their spectroscopic properties in the UV-VIS-NIR range have been investigated. The first 5d crystal field level location and stokes shift have been determined from the UV excitation and emission spectra of Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Ce{sup 3+}. The three-photon NIR quantum-cutting luminescence of Tm{sup 3+} assigned to the electronic transitions of {sup 1}G{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 4}, {sup 3}H{sub 4}→{sup 3}F{sub 4} and {sup 3}F{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 6} is observed, whether in Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+} or Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+},Ce{sup 3+}. The energy transfer from Ce{sup 3+} to Tm{sup 3+} takes place with energy-transfer efficiency up to 34.5% for the Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}:Tm{sup 3+},Ce{sup 3+}. A cross relaxation scheme using the 5d states of Ce{sup 3+} and f-f transition of Tm{sup 3+} is proposed. The mechanism is revealed from energy level and decay measurements. The results show that the broadband absorption of Ce{sup 3+} sensitizer not only extends the spectrum conversion in UV region but also greatly enhances the photoluminescence intensities of the three-photon quantum cutting luminescence of Tm{sup 3+} doped Ca{sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}.

OSTI ID:
22308448
Journal Information:
Journal of Applied Physics, Vol. 116, Issue 2; Other Information: (c) 2014 AIP Publishing LLC; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0021-8979
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English