Synthesis and near-infrared luminescence properties of La0Cl:Nd3+/Yb3+

Near-infrared emitting phosphors LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+ were prepared by the solid-state method, and their structures and luminescent properties were investigated by using X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence analysis, respectively. The studies shows that tetragonal LaOCI:Nd3+/Yb3+ can be synthesized by the solid-state reaction at 600 degrees C for 3 h. Upon 353 nm UV excitation, LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+ sample shows strong near-infrared emission lines in the region of 1060-1150 nm (corresponding to F-4(3/2) -> 4I(j), transition of Nd3+, J' = 9/2, 11/2, 13/2, 15/2) and 980-1050 nm (corresponding to F-2(5/2) -> F-2(7/2) transition of Yb3+). The decreasing emission intensity of Nd3+ with increasing doping concentration of Yb3+ proved the energy transfer in LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+. The possible near-infrared emission and energy transfer mechanism between Nd3+ and Yb3+, as well as the energy transfer efficiency of LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+ were discussed. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.