Enhanced 1G 4 emission in NaLaF 4: Pr 3+, Yb 3+ and charge transfer in NaLaF 4: Ce 3+, Yb 3+ studied by fourier transform luminescence spectroscopy

Abstract

A high resolution luminescence study of NaLaF 4: 1%Pr 3+, 5%Yb 3+ and NaLaF 4: 1%Ce 3+, 5%Yb 3+ in the UV to NIR spectral range using a InGaAs detector and a fourier transform interferometer is reported. Although the Pr 3+( 3P 0 → 1G 4), Yb 3+( 2F 7/2 → 2F 5/2) energy transfer step takes place, significant Pr 3+ 1G 4 emission around 993, 1330 and 1850 nm is observed. No experimental proof for the second energy transfer step in the down-conversion process between Pr 3+ and Yb 3+ can be given. In the case of NaLaF 4: Ce 3+, Yb 3+ it is concluded that the observed Yb 3+ emission upon Ce 3+ 5d excitation is the result of a charge transfer process instead of down-conversion.