Thulium as a sensitizer for the Gd³⁺/Eu³⁺ quantum cutting couple

Authors: P. S. Peijzel; W. J. M. Schrama; A. Meijerink

Source: Molecular Physics, Volume 102, Numbers 11-12, Numbers 11-12/10-20 June 2004 , pp. 1285-1290(6)

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Ltd

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Abstract:

The increasing knowledge of the energy level structure of the lanthanides has led to new applications for these ions. The Gd³+/Eu³+ quantum cutting couple was discovered a few years ago and may be applied in phosphors for fluorescent tubes based on a VUV xenon discharge. The VUV absorption of the phosphor LiGdF₄:Eu³+ is poor and therefore a sensitizer is needed. This contribution describes an investigation of the use of the strong 4f¹²: rarr

: 4f¹¹5d VUV absorption bands of thulium ions as a sensitizer for the Gd³+/Eu³+ quantum cutting couple. The incorporation of thulium in the quantum cutting phosphor LiGdF₄ does result in sensitization of Gd³+ but not in downconversion in the Gd³+/Eu³+ couple. A competing downconversion process between gadolinium and thulium occurs resulting in infrared emission of thulium, which is not suitable for lighting applications.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1080/00268970410001728645

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