The luminescence and energy transfer in Pr 3+–Ce 3+ co-doped Lu 0.8Sc 0.2BO 3 crystals

Abstract

Lu 0.8Sc 0.2BO 3 crystals doped with 1 at%Ce 3+ and co-doped 0.1 at% and 0.5 at%Pr 3+ were grown by the Czochralski method. The concentrations of Pr 3+ and Ce 3+ in crystals were measured by the ICP-AES method. Absorption spectra, VUV–UV spectra, fluorescence decay time and X-ray excitation luminescence spectra were investigated at room temperature. The excitation luminescence spectra of Ce 3+ emission and decay curves from the lower excited state levels of the 4f 15d 1 and 5d 1 electronic configurations of the Pr 3+ and Ce 3+ conspicuously indicated the non-radiative energy transfer from Pr 3+ to Ce 3+. The detailed pathways were shown in the energy level diagram of the respective Ce 3+ and Pr 3+ in Lu 0.8Sc 0.2BO 3 host. In addition, the scintillation efficiency data indicated that the energy transfer effect is directly associated with the Pr 3+ concentration.