Abstract
An efficient near-infrared quantum cutting process by cooperative down-conversion of active Bi3+ and Nd3+ ions was demonstrated in Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ phosphors. In particular, the near-infrared emission of Nd3+ ions enhanced by Bi3+ ions of a series of novel Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ microcrystalline powders doped with Nd3+ ions in various concentrations was investigated. In order to investigate the luminescent properties of BTBO:Nd3+ powders, the excitation and emission spectra and the fluorescence decay time were measured and analyzed. In particular, the emission of Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ at 890 and 1064 nm was excited at 327 nm (via energy transfer from Bi3+ ions) and at 586.4 nm (directly by Nd3+ ions). The highest intensity emission bands in near-infrared were detected in the spectra of Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ doped with 5.0 and 0.5 at.% of Nd3+ ions upon excitation in ultraviolet and visible spectral range, respectively. The fluorescence decay lifetime monitored at 1064 nm for Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ powders shows the single- or double-exponential character depending on the concentrations of Nd3+ ions. The possible mechanisms of energy relaxation after excitation Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ powders in ultraviolet or visible spectral range were discussed. The investigated Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ phosphors efficiently concentrate the ultraviolet/visible radiation in the near-infrared spectral range and can be potentially used as effective spectral converters.
Graphical abstract
Efficient near-infrared quantum cutting by cooperative energy transfer in Bi3TeBO9:Nd3+ phosphors