Infrared to visible up-conversion luminescence of SrF2:Ho particles upon excitation of the 5I7 level of Ho3+ions

The visible and near-infrared (NIR) up-conversion luminescence (UCL) of a concentration series of fluoride phosphors SrF2:Ho (CHo = 1.3, 3.5, 4.8, 7.4, 8.9, 10.8, 13.0, 13.6 mol.%) upon excitation of the 5I7 level of Ho3+ ions are presented. The dependences of the UCL intensity corresponding to the 5F3-*5I8, 5S2(5F4)-*5I8, 5F5-*5I8, 5I4-*5I8, 5F3-*5I6, 5I5-*5I8, 5F5-*5I7, 5I6-*5I8 transitions on the concentration of Ho3+ ions were revealed. The UCL energy yield, color coordinates, and correlated color temperature (CCT) values were estimated. The maximum values of UCL energy yields of 0.03% (380-780 nm) and 0.09% (380-1100 nm) were registered for SrF2:Ho (3.5 mol.%) sample. All studied fluoride phosphors are characterized by a red glow of UCL. This glow corresponds to CCT of 6711-7474 K upon incident power density of 28 W/cm2. The UCL mechanisms of SrF2:Ho phosphors were proposed. The SrF2:Ho phosphors can be used as laser beam viewers of the two-micron radiation of thulium and holmium commercial lasers.