Fluorescence properties of novel near-infrared phosphor CaSc 2O 4:Ce 3+, Nd 3+

Abstract

Novel near-infrared (NIR) phosphor, CaSc 2O 4:Ce 3+, Nd 3+, was synthesized by co-precipitation method followed by firing at 1300 °C in reduced atmosphere. When irradiated with blue light, the phosphor gives strong Nd 3+ characteristic NIR emissions in the range of 880–930 nm. The NIR emission intensity gets a 200 times enhancement by co-doping of Ce 3+. Detailed investigation on spectrum and fluorescence lifetimes indicated the NIR luminescence enhancement is obtained from an energy transfer process. The process initiates with efficient absorption of blue light by Ce 3+ ions via an allowed 4f–5d transition, follow by efficient energy transfer from Ce 3+ to Nd 3+, and emitting strong Nd 3+ characteristic fluorescence.