Luminescent Properties of Pr3+-Doped LiBaF3 Crystallites

Research is ongoing to develop new phosphors capable of emitting light across a broad spectrum, ranging from the ultraviolet (UV) to the infrared region, with potential applications in diverse fields. Using the method of solid-state reactions, a series of LiBaF3:Pr3+ phosphors were obtained, and their luminescent properties in the UV-visible range were studied. The photon cascade emission (PCE) phenomenon has been observed under excitation of the 4f5d bands of Pr3+. The spectral and kinetic luminescent characteristics of LiBaF3:Pr3+ under X-ray excitation (40 keV) were studied. The X-ray excited luminescence spectrum of LiBaF3:Pr3+ consists of the emission of Pr3+ ions, the emission of self-trapped excitons, and the core-valence luminescence of the LiBaF3 host. In addition, the study assessed the optical-thermometric properties of LiBaF3:Pr3+ in the temperature range of 83-563 K, revealing the potential of temperature sensing in the physiological range. This study not only describes the luminescent properties of the newly synthesized LiBaF3:Pr3+ but also explores its potential applications as a fast ultraviolet scintillator and an optical temperature sensor.