DOE OSTI2016
Dual-mode luminescence (downshifting-DS and upconversion-UC) properties of Pr{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped Y{sub 1−x}Gd{sub x}NbO{sub 4} (x = 0.0, 0.5, and 1.0) phosphors synthesized by solid state reaction technique have been explored with and without Gd{sup 3+} ion. The structural characterizations (XRD, SEM, and FTIR) confirm the pure phase of YNbO{sub 4} phosphor. Further, with the Gd{sup 3+} ion co-doping, the YNbO{sub 4} phosphors having a random shape and the large particle size are found to be transformed into nearly spherical shape particles with the reduced particle size. The optical band gaps (E{sub g}) of Y{sub 1−x}Gd{sub x}NbO{sub 4} (x = 0.00, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00) calculated from UV-Vis-NIR measurements are ∼3.69, 4.00, 4.38, and 4.44 eV, respectively. Moreover, YNbO{sub 4} phosphor is a promising blue emitting material, whereas Y{sub 1−x−y−z}Pr{sub y}Yb{sub z}Gd{sub x}NbO{sub 4} phosphor gives intense green, blue, and red emissions via dual-mode optical processes. The broad blue emission arises due to (NbO{sub 4}){sup 3−} group of the host with λ{sub ex} = 264 nm, whereas Pr{sup 3+} doped YNbO{sub 4} phosphor gives dominant red and blue emissions along with comparatively weak green emission on excitation with λ{sub ex} = 300 nm and 491 nm. The concentration dependent variation in emission intensity at 491 nm ({sup 3}P{sub 0}→{sup 3}H{sub 4} transition) and 612 nm ({sup 1}D{sub 2}→{sup 3}H{sub 4} transition); at 612 nm ({sup 1}D{sub 2}→{sup 3}H{sub 4} transition) and 658 nm ({sup 3}P{sub 0}→{sup 3}F{sub 2} transition) of Pr{sup 3+} ion in YNbO{sub 4} phosphor with λ{sub ex} = 300 nm and 491 nm excitations, respectively, has been thoroughly explored and explained by the cross-relaxation process through different channels. The sensitization effect of Bi{sup 3+} ion co-doping on DS properties of the phosphor has also been studied. The observed DS results have been optimized by varying the concentration of Pr{sup 3+} and Bi{sup 3+} ions, and the results are explained by the well-known simple band structure model. The study of Gd{sup 3+} co-doping reveals noticeable differences in DS characteristics of Y{sub 1−x}Pr{sub x}NbO{sub 4} phosphors: the overall decrement and increment (except for 612 nm emission) in intensity of DS emission on excitation with λ{sub ex} = 264 nm and 491 nm, respectively. These observations have been thoroughly explained, and the {sup 1}D{sub 2}→{sup 3}H{sub 4} transition (612 nm) of Pr{sup 3+} ion is found to be strongly dependent on surrounding environment of the host matrix. The UC properties of Y{sub 0.95−x}Pr{sub x}Yb{sub 0.05}NbO{sub 4} phosphors have been explored using Near Infra-Red (NIR) excitation. The material gives intense green and relatively weak blue and red UC emissions with λ{sub ex} = 980 nm. Interestingly, the UC emission intensity is further enhanced in the case of Y{sub 0.949−x}Pr{sub 0.001}Yb{sub 0.05}Gd{sub x}NbO{sub 4} phosphors. In addition, the less explored laser induced heating effect with the pump power as well as the irradiation time on the UC emission has been explored in Y{sub 0.949−x}Pr{sub 0.001}Yb{sub 0.05}Gd{sub x}NbO{sub 4} (x = 0, 0.5, and 0.949) phosphor samples, and subsequently, this feature has been found to be superior for Gd{sub 0.949}Pr{sub 0.001}Yb{sub 0.05}NbO{sub 4} phosphor. The comparative study between the two hosts, viz., YNbO{sub 4} and GdNbO{sub 4} shows that GdNbO{sub 4} is better than YNbO{sub 4} for UC emission behavior; however, a reverse is observed as for as DS behavior is concerned only for the particular excitation wavelength (λ{sub ex} = 264 nm).
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗