Efficient spectral conversion from visible to near-infrared in transparent glass ceramics containing Ce³⁺–Yb³⁺codoped Y₃Al₅O₁₂nanocrystals

Abstract

Transparent glass ceramics containing Ce 3+ -Yb 3+ codoped Y 3 Al 5 O 12 nanocrystals were prepared, and their microstructures were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Intense near-infrared emission at around 1000 nm, attributed to the 2 F 5/2 / 2 F 7/2 transition of Yb 3+ , was observed upon excitation at 452 nm. Efficient energy transfer from Ce 3+ ions to Yb 3+ ions was confirmed by the luminescence spectrum and fluorescent lifetime measurements; the mechanism was investigated and demonstrated to be a single-photon process rather than a two-photon process.Greatly enhanced near-infrared emission was achieved from the glass ceramics excited by simulated sunlight from 400 to 800 nm compared with that from as-prepared glass. These results demonstrate that the glass ceramics are promising materials for spectral conversion from visible sunlight to nearinfrared emission and may have potential applications as spectral convertors to enhance the photoelectric conversion efficiency of c-Si solar cells.

Radiative energy transfer in ZnAl2O4:0.1% Ce3+, x% Eu3+ nanophosphor synthesized by sol–gel process

“…As shown in Fig. 8(b), the violet emission at 400 nm is attributed to the 5d-2 F 7/2 transition in Ce 3 þ ion [28]. One might consider the emission at 400 nm to be due to the mixture of Ce 3 þ and host material emissions.…”

Broadband down-conversion through the co-contribution of simultaneous energy transfer from Eu3+/2+ to Yb3+ and CTS absorption of Yb3+

“…One effort has been made is to choose Ce 3þ ,Yb 2þ and Eu 2þ as energy donors for Yb 3þ to achieve broadband NIR quantumcutting, as these ions have strong absorption intensity in the ultraviolet-blue spectra region due to the dipole-allowed 4fe5d transitions. The efficient broadband DC has been demonstrated in Ce 3þ -Yb 3þ co-activated oxyfluoride glass [7] and glass ceramics containing YAG nanocrystals [8], Yb 2þ -Yb 3þ system in CaAl 2 O 4 phosphors [9] and Eu 2þ -Yb 3þ co-doped borate glasses [10], silicate glasses [11] and glass ceramics containing CaF 2 nanocrystals [12].…”

Co-precipitation Synthesis and Spectroscopic Studies of YAG and Yb:YAG Nanopowder for Opto-Electronic Applications

“…Z 3 and A 2 ? Z 2 respectively [41]. It is concluded that the fluorescence is due to a strong interaction of Yb (0.003 M) ions doped in the covalent host lattice (YAG).…”

“…Once Yb 3? ions located at YAG lattices, the 2 F 7/2 energy level splits into four Stark levels (Z 1 , Z 2 , Z 3 and Z 4 levels) and the 2 F 5/2 energy level splits into 3 Stark levels (A 1 , A 2 and A 3 levels) due to the electrostatic interaction [41]. The main Yb 3?…”