Near ultraviolet to near infrared luminescence spectroscopy of Er3+ doped K2GdF5 crystal

• Published in: Journal of luminescence 2014-08, Vol.152, p.58-61
• Main Authors: Qin, Yanguang, Wei, Xiantao, Li, Xinyue, Chen, Yonghu, Yin, Min
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Downconversion; Er3+ ion; Exact sciences and technology; K2GdF5 crystal; NIR; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Photoluminescence; Physics; Spectroscopy
• ISSN: 0022-2313; 1872-7883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jlumin.2013.11.074

The detailed luminescent properties of K2GdF5 crystal doped with Er3+ was investigated using excitation spectra, emission spectra and emission decay curve measurements. The excitation bands corresponding to the characteristic Gd3+ 4f–4f transitions in the excitation spectra of Er3+ emission indicate an efficient energy transfer from host Gd3+ to doping Er3+ ions. Meanwhile, the distinct features observed only in the emission spectra excited with shorter wavelengths (≤312nm) are assigned to the transitions from 2P3/2 levels of Er3+. This assignment is further supported by the decay curves measurements and the obtained lifetime of 2P3/2 emission (460μs) is longer than that of 4S3/2 emission (248μs). The luminescence in near infrared (NIR) range from 750 to 1650nm consists of several well-distinguished bands dominated by the emission around 1540nm corresponding to the transition of 4I13/2→4I15/2. NIR quantum cutting processes are observed and discussed with reference to the NIR emission spectra. •Energy transfer from host Gd3+ to doping Er3+ ions is efficient.•The transitions from 2P3/2 dominate the emissions when excited with shorter wavelengths (≤312nm).•The lifetime of 2P3/2 emissions (460μs) is longer than that of 4S3/2 (248μs).•The NIR luminescence in the range from 750 to 1650nm consists of six bands.•NIR quantum cutting processes are observed.