Energy transfer between Sm 3+ and Er 3+ in orthophosphate YPO 4

Abstract

The energy transfer between Sm 3+ and Er 3+ ions in yttrium orthophosphate is studied. This choice of ions is based on the possibility of quantum cutting processes and the host material is selected according to the position of the 5d bands of the Sm 3+ ion. The Sm 3+ and Er 3+ doped and Sm 3+, Er 3+ co-doped YPO 4 have been synthesized. Spectroscopic studies were done in the ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet ranges. The energy transfer between Sm 3+ and Er 3+ is very efficient but it does not lead to Er 3+ visible emission. Whatever the excitation wavelength, the emission of co-doped samples mainly occurs in the infrared range.