Effect of temperature and pressure on emission lifetime of Sm2+ ion doped in MFX (M=Sr, Ba; X=Br, I) crystals

The emission lifetime of Sm2+ ions doped in MFX (M=Ba, Sr; X=Br, I) crystals was investigated as a function of pressure and temperature. The decay of the D-5(J(J=0,1.2)) levels showed single exponential relaxation. The analysis of these experiments yielded the position of the lowest 4f(5)5d(1) state as well as non-radiative rate constants. These values were compared with those for Sm2+ doped in other matlockite host crystals. The single exponential decrease of the D-5(0,1) lifetime as a function of pressure was described considering the increased radiative decay rates of these D-5(0,1) levels through electronic mixing between the 4f(5)5d(1) and D-5(J) states. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.