Luminescence of Pb2+ ions in YAG:Pb single-crystalline films

Luminescence of Pb(2+) ions in YAG:Pb single-crystalline films (SCF) with different lead content in the range of 0.01-0.3 at% was investigated by means of cathodoluminescence, time-resolved emission/excitation spectra and luminescence decay kinetic under excitation by synchrotron radiation. The nature of Pb(2+) ion-related emission bands in the UV and visible ranges and their prevailing excitation mechanism are considered. Strong mixing of the (1)P(1) excited states of Pb(2+) ions and the conduction-band states of the YAG host was found. A scheme of energy levels of Pb(2+) center in YAG and LuAG is presented. (C) 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.