Broadband Near-Infrared Quantum Cutting in Metal-Ion Codoped Y3Al5O12Thin Films Grown by Pulsed-Laser Deposition for Solar Cell Application

We have deposited thin films of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) doped with Ce3+and Yb3+on quartz and silicon substrates by pulsed laser deposition. Near-infrared (NIR) quantum cutting which involves the emission of NIR photons through the downconversion from Ce3+to Yb3+is realized. Upon the broadband excitation of Ce3+ions with a visible photon at the peak wavelength of 450 nm, NIR photons are generated by Yb3+ions, with an emission wavelength centered at 1030 nm. The luminescent decay curves of Ce3+were recorded as a supporting evidence corresponding to the energy transfer. This work offers a better and more convenient approach compatible with crystalline silicon solar cell compared to conventional bulk phosphors.