Visible to near infrared energy transfer in Ce3+, Yb3+ co-doped YAG crystal prepared by the co-precipitation method

Abstract

Nanoscaled Ce3+, Yb3+ co-doped yttrium aluminum garnets (YAG: Ce3+, Yb3+) with Yb3+ concentration of 0–5 mol% were synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The microstructure and surface morphology of the samples were analyzed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. The energy transfer (ET) from Ce3+ to Yb3+ in YAG: Ce3+, Yb3+ was verified by excitation spectra, emission spectra, and the luminescence decay time. The maximum ET efficiency (ηET) and the theoretical total quantum efficiency (ηQE) reach 91.2% and 191.2%, respectively. The near infrared cathodoluminescence (CL) of Yb3+ was also investigated. Compared to the single-doped YAG: Ce3+, co-doped YAG: Ce3+, Yb3+ shows a 2.3 times higher emission intensity, demonstrating the possibility of the ET process in CL. The YAG: Ce3+, Yb3+ prepared by the co-precipitation method can be used as a potential scintillator for high energy radiation applications.