Radiative Transitions Research Articles

BaMoO4:Nd3+-Yb3+ upconverting phosphors for NIR to NIR contactless temperature reading out

BaMoO4:Nd3+–Yb3+ phosphors have been synthesized by using conventional solid state reaction synthesis technique. Frequency up-conversion (UC) emission studies have been performed under 980 nm excitation. The developed UC phosphors show multicolor upconverted emission bands in the 400–900 nm wavelength range and assigned via the radiative transitions of Nd3+ ion. FIR technique based on frequency upconversion has been applied for the 4F7/2→4I9/2 and 4F5/2→4I9/2 transitions of Nd3+ ion in the NIR (750–804 nm) region arising from the two thermally coupled energy states. The energy gap (ΔE) between the upper and lower excited levels (4F7/2 and 4F5/2) was found to be ∼ 800 cm−1. The maximum sensor sensitivity ∼ 23.2 × 10−4 K−1 at 306 K (operating temperature range 306–483 K) under 980 nm NIR laser irradiation for BaMoO4:Nd3+-Yb3+ phosphors is reported. The prepared phosphors have proven their utility as a novel upconverting material for NIR to NIR contactless temperature reading out.

Determinations of transition probabilities and oscillator strengths of some levels in Eu I

Through combining experimental branching fractions (BFs) with radiative lifetimes, transition probabilities and oscillator strengths of Eu I for 39 lines from 16 excited levels were derived for the first time. The energies range from 27852.90 to 41443.70 cm-1. The BFs were determined in this work using the Fourier transform spectra available from National Solar Observatory database, and the lifetimes were obtained from literature. Furthermore, BFs for 22 lines, previously reported in the literature, were also determined for comparisons. The new results reported in this work will enrich spectral database and are expected to be widely used in many fields.

“Kill two birds with one stone” role of PTCA-COF: Enhanced electrochemiluminescence of Au nanoclusters via radiative transitions and electrochemical excitation for sensitive detection of cadmium ions

Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) have attracted significant attention in electrochemiluminescence (ECL) owing to their excellent luminescent properties; however, achieving high-efficient ECL remains a formidable challenge. Despite the extensively reported emphasis on enhancing radiative transitions, it is imperative to acknowledge that both radiation and excitation play crucial roles in ECL, thereby requiring a dual-enhanced strategy for improving ECL efficiency. Herein, we introduced PTCA-COF, a dual-functional covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with the effect of “kill two birds with one stone” to achieve this purpose. The PTCA-COF not only acted as a carrier to effectively suppress the rotational vibration of surface ligands and reduce self-quenching by minimizing non-radiative transitions, but also acted as an electrosensitiser that facilitated the generation of electrogenerated holes, thereby promoting efficient transfer of hot electrons and enhancing excitation of AuNCs due to favorable energy level alignment. As a proof of concept, by utilizing cadmium ions (Cd2+) as a model analyte, the ECL aptasensing platform fabricated based on the dual-enhancement AuNCs-COFs ECL system demonstrated a broad linear response spanning from 1 pM to 5 nM and achieved an impressive low detection limit of 0.66 pM (S/N=3) with exceptional reproducibility and selectivity. The findings of this study not only presented a novel approach for the rational dual-enhancement of ECL efficiency, but also contributed to the advancement of their potential applications in the field of environmental monitoring.

Singlet oxygen generation by nanoassemblies containing porphyrin macrocycles: Steric and screening effects, energy transfer and competing processes

In this semi-review paper, we discuss some principal aspects that should be taken into account upon quantitative analysis of the interaction with molecular oxygen O2 and the singlet oxygen (1O2 or [Formula: see text] generation by various tetrapyrrolic photosensitizers (including monomers, chemical dimers, triads, pentads and organic-inorganic nanoassemblies). In all cases, the direct experimental measurements of 1O2 emission at [Formula: see text] = 1.27 μ need to be corrected to the solvent influence (refractive indexes, molecular polarizability) on the rate constant of the radiative transition [Formula: see text] in a 1O2 molecule. For porphyrin and chlorin chemical dimers, T1 states quenching by O2 followed by 1O2 generation depends on donor-acceptor interactions between the dimer halves, and extra-ligation effects as well as the spacer flexibility. In the case of self-assembled triads and pentads containing Zn-porphyrin dimers and pyridyl substituted porphyrin free bases (H2P) as extra-ligands, quenching rate constants of H2P T1 states by O2 are smaller compared to those found for individual monomeric H2P molecules which is explained by the spatial screening influence of a strongly quenched Zn-porphyrin dimer in multiporphyrin complexes. Finally, at 293 K for nanoassemblies of two types (semiconductor quantum dots CdSe/ZnS + coordinative linked tetra-pyridyl porphyrins, and semiconductor negatively charged quantum dots AgInS/ZnS + positively charged porphyrin molecules) it was quantitatively shown that non-radiative energy transfer FRET quantum dot [Formula: see text] porphyrin (competing with electron tunneling under conditions of quantum confinement) is only responsible for the singlet oxygen 1O2 generation by nanoassemblies.

Preparation and significant enhancement of upconversion luminescence of α-Ba2ScAlO5:Yb3+/Er3+ phosphors by Ca2+ ions doping

The intensity of upconversion luminescence (UCL) poses a significant challenge for oxides characterized by high phonon energy. Herein, a significant enhancement of red UCL is achieved through the introduction of an intermediate band (IB) in α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+ by Ca2+ ions doping. The absorption spectra verify the existence of the IB. The IB of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+/Ca2+ increases the host's absorption of excited photons, provides more electrons for the excitation of Er3+, and realizes the enhancement of UCL emission. The optimal concentration of Ca2+ in α-Ba2ScAlO5: 0.2Yb3+, 0.03Er3+ is 0.15. Compared with undoped Ca2+ samples, the red and green UCL intensity of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+, Er3+, 0.15Ca2+ increased by 48.2 and 10.6 times, respectively. The mechanism of Ca2+ enhanced UCL was investigated by analyzing the UCL spectra, absorption spectra and lifetime decay curves of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+/Ca2+. The temperature-dependent UCL properties of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+/Ca2+ were also studied by the 2H11/2 (525 nm) and 4F9/2 (667 nm) energy level radiation transitions. The observed linear correlation between luminescence intensity and temperature, coupled with its high sensitivity, indicates the promising potential for temperature sensing applications. This study not only opens a new avenue for enhancing UCL but also holds significant implications for sparking widespread interest in non-contact temperature sensing applications leveraging UCL.

Near-infrared quantum-cutting emission in Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped NaY(WO4)2 phosphors

Enhancing the efficiency of photoelectric conversion is a vital consideration for silicon-based solar cells via introducing near-infrared emitting material. In this study, efficient Yb3+ near infrared emissions through quantum cutting was achieved by adjusting the concentrations of Ho3+ and Yb3+. The quantum cutting mechanism was detailedly investigated and a two-step energy transfer processes from Ho3+ to Yb3+ were assigned to be responsible for the near infrared emission of Yb3+. The radiative and nonradiative transition rates of all concerned 4f levels of Ho3+ in NaY(WO4)2 (abbreviations as NYW) matrix were derived based on the Judd-Ofelt theory and the energy gap law. The energy transfer rates from Ho3+ to Yb3+ were also obtained by analyzing the fluorescence dynamics. Furthermore, the quantum cutting efficiencies were determined to be 60.46 %. It was revealed that the low quantum-cutting efficiencies resulted from the nonradiative transitions of Ho3+ and the self-quenching of Yb3+ at higher doping concentration of Yb3+.

Photofunctional gold nanocluster-based nanocomposite coating for enhancing anti-biofouling and anti-icing properties of flexible films

Elastomeric materials have garnered significant attention across biomedical and industrial fields. Multifunctionality and environmental stability are essential requirements for the application of these materials. Herein, we developed photofunctional gold nanocluster-based nanocomposites (SiO2-AuNC) and coated them on elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films through one-step way to enhance anti-biofouling and anti-icing properties. The SiO2-AuNC coating, created by immobilizing ultra-small gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) onto hydrophobic silica nanoparticles surface using a gel-sol method, forms an island-like convex structure. The immobilization significantly enhanced radiative transitions and promoted the generation of reactive oxygen species of AuNCs, which provided robust anti-biofouling property through photosensitization to the films. Meanwhile, the rigid SiO2-AuNC nanocomposite markedly enhances the wear resistance of the films. Additionally, the hierarchical micro- and nanostructure of SiO2-AuNC coating increases the hydrophobicity of the films, effectively preventing the aggregation of supercooled water droplets, thereby providing superior and durably anti-icing properties. This one-step coating provides a simple and effective strategy for multifunctional surface modification with nanoparticles, showing potential biomedical and industrial applications.

Transition Radiation on a Conducting Target Shaped as a Right Dihedral Angle

The transition radiation of a charged particle in the simplest case of its incidence onto an infinite, perfectly conducting plane can be described using the method of images known from electrostatics. The same method makes it possible to find the field distribution in more complex cases, such as the field created by a point particle in the presence of two intercepting conducting planes, the angle between which divides exactly the angle of 180°. Based on the method of images, a description is given of the transition radiation that occurs when a fast-charged particle falls on a target in the form of two conducting half-planes intersecting at the right angle (on the inside of the dihedral angle). The features of the radiation emitted by fast and slow particles are qualitatively considered, and their visual interpretation is given. The possibility of using interference effects arising from radiation to monitor beams of charged particles is discussed.

Assessment of luminescent features on Sm3+ ions doped LiF assimilated lead-free borate glasses for visible photonic and optoelectronic applications

The distinctive set containing Sm3+ ions doped LiF incorporated Alkaline borate glasses have been synthesised via the melt quenching practice. 59B2O3+20LiF+(20–X)CaCO3+XBaCO3 +1Sm2O3 (where X = 5, 10, 15, 20 wt%) is the composition used for the glass preparation. The effect of samarium ions concentration dependency on the absorption and emission of barium and calcium oxide has been studied through several spectroscopic studies. The current set of glasses is ionic, determined by the bonding value. The hypersensitive absorption transition is found in the visible region of the absorption spectra, and the transition from 6H5/2 to 6P3/2 shows the highest oscillator strength of 14.87 × 10−6. The intensity parameters are denoted by Ωλ (where λ = 2,4,6) are assessed and discussed. The results indicate that Ω4 is higher when compared to the other two parameters. The lower Ω2 values further ensure the ionic nature of the glass samples. Moreover, the intensity parameters are utilised to predict some radiative properties for the lasing potential evaluation, which includes cross-sections of emission (σPE), probability of radiative transition (A), and experimental and radiative lifetime (τexp and τR). The decay profile was monitored for the 4G5/2 state, and consistently non-exponential behaviour was observed in all the glasses. Through the CIE colour chromaticity analysis, the CCT (colour-correlated temperature), dominant wavelength, colour, and purity of the emitted light have been evaluated. Concerning all aspects, the glass with 20 wt% of BaCO3 is found to be fit for photonic and optoelectronic applications.

Mn2+ doped Zn2SiO4 phosphors: A threefold-mode sensing approach for optical thermometry in the visible region at 525 nm

Optical functional materials such as nanostructured silicates have been studied for photonics applications involving energy conversion. In this scenario, we studied Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ nanostructured powders prepared by combustion synthesis for optical thermometry based on photon downshifting. The structural analysis showed that Zn2SiO4 particles were found embedded in clustered silica nanoparticles. The photoluminescence analysis showed that the samples exhibit intense green emission (centered around 525 nm), corresponding to the electronic transition 4T1 → 6A1 of Mn2+, when exposed to a low power ultraviolet lamp (centered around 255 nm). The temperature sensing performance of this material was evaluated using three different methodologies, i.e. the luminescence decay time constant, the spectral full width at half maximum, and the luminescence peak intensity from the 4T1 → 6A1 radiative transition. The thermometric analysis based on luminescence peak intensity provided a maximum relative sensitivity of ∼4.9x10−3 K−1 at 498 K, while the decay lifetime and the spectral width at half maximum provided maximum relative temperature sensitivities of ∼2.9x10−3 K−1 at 523 K and ∼1.7x10−3 K−1 at 298 K, respectively.

Analysis of spectroscopic characteristics of Sm3+ ions doped gallium silicate glasses for orange-red LEDs

In this work, a variety of Sm3+ ions doped gallium silicate glasses have been made using the conventional melt quenching procedure, and characterized by X-ray diffraction, absorption spectrum, fluorescence spectrum, fluorescence decay curves, respectively. The density of the glass increases with the increase of the concentration of Sm3+ ions, and XRD shows that the samples are all amorphous glasses. Absorption spectra were used to determine the J-O intensity parameters (Ωλ, λ = 2, 4, 6), as well as the radiation transition probability(A), fluorescence branching ratio(βr), and radiation lifetime(τr) of Sm3+ ions at the 4G5/2 energy level. Under 403 nm excitation, the emission spectra show obvious emission peaks at 602 nm and 649 nm, corresponding to 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 and 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 transitions respectively. The B3 glass sample has the largest emission cross section(σem) at the 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 transition, with σem = 11.40 × 10−22 cm2. The color coordinates, color purity and color temperature values of all samples were calculated. The color purity of all samples varied in the range of 96.20%–99.14 %, with the relevant samples separating in the orange-red light region. The experimental results indicate that the glass samples have a potential application prospect in the field of orange-red LEDs.

The quantum spectral method: from atomic orbitals to classical self-force

Can classical systems be described analytically at all orders in their interaction strength? For periodic and approximately periodic systems, the answer is yes, as we show in this work. Our analytical approach, which we call the Quantum Spectral Method, is based on a novel application of Bohr’s correspondence principle, obtaining non-perturbative classical dynamics as the classical limit of quantum matrix elements. A major application of our method is the calculation of self-force as the classical limit of atomic radiative transitions. We demonstrate this by calculating an adiabatic electromagnetic inspiral, along with its associated radiation, at all orders in the multipole expansion. Finally, we propose a future application of the Quantum Spectral Method to compute scalar and gravitational self-force in Schwarzschild, analytically.

Synthesis and up-conversion luminescence of erbium-doped yttrium silicate single crystal nanoparticles tailored by the mesoporous silica template

Erbium-activated yttrium silicate nanoparticles were tailored using a mesoporous silica template. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the synthesized particles are single crystals of yttrium pyrosilicate (α−Y2Si2O7:Er), possessing a spherical shape (with an average size of about 210 nm) and a narrow size distribution. Up-conversion luminescence of the synthesized particles was investigated in the green spectral region under excitation by a laser diode operating at a wavelength of 808 nm. In the range of 510-580 nm, intense narrow lines with a Lorentzian shape were observed, attributed to radiative transitions from two thermally coupled energy levels of the Er3+ ion [2H11/2→4I15/2 (520–540 nm) and 4S3/2→4I15/2 (545–570 nm)]. It was experimentally demonstrated that within the temperature range of 250–520 K, the equilibrium populations of the 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 levels follow the Boltzmann distribution. This result provides a basis for the potential use of the synthesized particles as temperature sensors in various applications, including biomedical ones.

Effects of dynamic diffraction in coherent X-ray radiation from a beam of relativistic electrons in a periodic layered medium with three layers in a period

The possibilities of manifestation of dynamic diffraction effects in coherent X-ray radiation (CXR) of relativistic electrons in a periodic layered medium (PLM) with three different layers in a period are being investigated. A dynamic theory of CXR of relativistic electrons has been developed for the case of such a target. The corresponding formulas for the spectral-angular characteristics of parametric X-ray radiation (PXR) and diffracted transition radiation (DTR) are obtained and studied. The influence of asymmetric diffraction on the spectral-angular densities of PXR and DTR is shown. A striking effect of anomalous photoabsorption in PXR in a layered target, similar to the Bormann effect in a single crystal, is predicted.

Convenient Size Analysis of Polystyrene Nanoplastics via Regulating the Radiative Transition Efficiency.

Developing a convenient method to efficiently determine the size of nanoplastics in the environment is urgent in terms of ecological or human health protection. In this work, a novel strategy for discriminating the size of polystyrene (PS)-based nanoplastics was reported via regulating the radiative transition efficiency of NH2-UIO-66 (NU) with benzoic acid (BA) as the auxiliary ligand. The elaborately doped BA capped the defect sites and triggered nonradiative transition efficiency of NU. As a result, the formed composite (denoted as BA-NU) was more sensitive to interaction among neighboring NU and nanoplastics. The interaction between particles limited the rotation and vibration of the benzene ring within the BA-NU molecule, thus increasing the BA-NU fluorescence. The sensitivity of BA-NU on nanoplastics was well controlled by manipulating the doping contents of BA, leading to precisely tunable physicochemical properties for this structure. Deriving from the exquisitely designed nanostructures, the composite of BA-NU was successfully used to discriminate different size PS as an ultrasensitive turn-on probe. This work highlights the possibility of boosting the detection performance by regulating the main structure with guest molecules at the molecular level.

Highly sensitive optical thermometer based on Li+-doped erbium ytterbium silicate films

This work provides a new material, Li+-doped erbium ytterbium silicate, with reliable and high temperature sensing sensitivity for optical thermometers. The Li+-doped erbium ytterbium silicate films were prepared by RF magnetron sputtering. The film shows strong green visible emission, which is related to the radiation transitions from thermally coupled energy levels 2H11/2, 4S3/2 to 4I15/2. Lithium doping reduces the field symmetry around erbium and improves the radiation transition efficiency, and Yb doping improves the pump light absorption. Lithium or ytterbium is advantageous to enhance up-conversion luminescence and temperature sensing sensitivity of erbium ions. Therefore, the temperature dependence of green up-conversion luminescence in the range of 80–460 K of the Li+-doped erbium ytterbium silicate films have been found to be a promising optical thermometer material with a high relative sensitivity of 16.9 % K−1, which is higher than the optimum value of other Er3+ materials. In addition, we have provided a preliminary temperature measurement scheme based on the Li+-doped erbium ytterbium silicate film.

Radiative transitions of χcJ→ ψγ and χbj→ Υγ

In the framework of instantaneous Bethe-Salpeter equation, according to the JPC of quarkonia, we find that their wave functions all contain multiple partial waves, rather than pure waves. In the radiative electromagnetic transitions χcJ→γψ and χbJ→γΥ (J = 0, 1, 2), the main wave of quarkonium gives the non-relativistic contribution, while other waves provide the relativistic corrections. Our results indicate that the relativistic effect of charmonium, especially highly excited states, is significant. Such as the relativistic effects of χcJ(2P) → γψ(1S) (J = 0, 1, 2) are {49.7%, 30.9%, 37.5%}, much larger than the corresponding {17.8%, 7.08%, 12.9%} of χbJ(2P) → γΥ(1S). The decay of χcJ(2P) → γψ can be used to distinguish between χc0(3860) and χc0(3915), which particle is the charmonium χc0(2P). Although our result of χc1(3872)→γψ(2S) is consistent with data, but the one of χc1(3872)→γψ(1S) is much larger than data, so whether χc1(3872) is the conventional χc1(2P) remains an open question. The undiscovered Υ(1D) and Υ(2D) have large production rates in decays of χb0(2P) → γΥ(1D) and χbJ(3P) → γΥ(2D) (J = 0, 1), respectively. To search for χbJ(3P) (J = 0, 1, 2), the most competitive channels are the decays χbJ(3P) → γΥ(3S). And the best way to find χb2(1F) is to search for the decay of χb2(1F) → γΥ(1D).

Role of the short-distance interaction in e+e−→γX(3872)

In this study, we analyze the cross-section data from the e+e−→γJ/ψω process to explore both short-distance and long-distance interactions for the radiative transition Y(4200)→γX(3872). We investigate the short-distance effects through the E1 transition among the cc¯ components, and the long-distance effects via hadronic loop diagrams. Our numerical analysis reveals that short-distance interactions play a significantly larger role in the radiative transition than that of the long-distance interactions. This finding underscores the importance of the compact cc¯ components in both the initial and the final states for accurately understanding the cross-section σ[e+e−→γJ/ψω]. Furthermore, with the help of relative branch ratio R we estimate the Γ[Y(4200)→γX(3872)] implied in the experimental study. Finally, we also discuss the possible existence of the ψ(4040) signal within the cross-section data. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Room-temperature electroluminescence in the InAsSbP/InAs0.95Sb0.05/InAsSbP single quantum well

The electrical and luminescent characteristics of the heterostructure with a 20 nm-wide n-InAsSbP/n-InAs0.95Sb0.05/p-InAsSbP single quantum well, grown on an n-InAs substrate by the MOVPE method, have been studied. An intense room temperature electroluminescence (EL) with a maximum near the photon energy of 0.34 eV and a FWHM of 32 meV was discovered. It was established that the EL in such single quantum well has been emitted due to type I radiative transitions between the ground levels of electrons and holes both at forward and reverse bias. The characteristics of heterostructures with a single quantum well and the active region based on a bulk InAsSb layer of the same composition have been compared.

Structural, magnetic, and luminescent properties of NaGdF4:Nd3+@Fe3O4 nanocomposites

The diverse applications of nanomaterials, and their rapidly increasing demand, have spurred the development of novel multifunctional materials. As such, this study aimed to synthesize and characterize a magneto-luminescent nanocomposite, composed of magnetite and fluorescent quantum dots (NaGdF4:Nd3+@Fe3O4). Nanomaterial synthesis was accomplished through solvothermal and co-precipitation methods. Stable nanoparticles (NPs) with a zeta potential of -19.57 ± 0.42 mV, and a size of 4.55 ± 1.44 nm were obtained. The crystalline structure of the NPs, verified via x-ray diffraction, affirmed the hexagonal pattern of the NaGdF4:Nd3+NPs and the inverse spinel pattern of Fe3O4NPs. In the diffraction pattern of the NaGdF4:Nd3+@Fe3O4NPs, only the phase pertaining to the Fe3O4NPs was identified, indicating their influence on the nanocomposite. Magnetic measurements revealed the superparamagnetic behavior of the material. Photoluminescence spectra of NaGdF4:Nd3+and NaGdF4:Nd3+@Fe3O4NPs verified the luminescent emission around 1060 nm; a feature of the radiative transitions of Nd3+ions. Based on the assessed characteristics, the nanocomposite's multifunctionality was confirmed, positioning the material for potential use in various fields, such as biomedicine.