Ce3+ sensitized bright white light emission from colloidal Ln3+ doped CaF2 nanocrystals for the development of transparent nanocomposites

Intense white light emission is observed from colloidal single component Ce3+/Tm3+/Tb3+/Sm3+-doped CaF2 nanocrystals. This combination is quite advantageous for the production of strong white light as the individual blue, green and red emissions are obtained by using Ce3+ as a single broadband excitation source. In addition, there is barely any cross-relaxation noted between the optically active lanthanide ions (Tm3+, Tb3+ and Sm3+). The high dispersibility of the nanocrystals in polar solvents assists in the fabrication of transparent nanocomposites via incorporation of the nanocrystals into polymers without affecting the optical properties of the nanocrystals.