Near-Infrared Quantum Cutting in Ce3+, Yb3+ Doped Gd(PO3)3 Phosphors

Ce3+, Yb3+ codoped Gd(PO3)(3) phosphors were synthesized by the high temperature solid-state method. The phase and structure have been investigated by the X-ray powder diffraction. Under 291 nm excitation, the 328 nm characteristic emission of Ce3+ ions as well as 974 nm near-infrared emission of Yb3+ ions were obtained in Ce3+, Yb3+ doped Gd(PO3)(3) phosphors. However, no emission signals were recorded for Yb3+ single doped Gd(PO3)(3) phosphors excited by ultraviolet light. It indicated that there is a great sensitization of Ce3+ ions to Yb3+ in Ce3+, Yb3+ doped Gd(PO3)(3) phosphor. The quantum efficiency was measured and reached up to 123.7%. With access to broad-band absorption, narrow-band emission as well as high energy transfer efficiency, Ce3+ and Yb3+ codoped Gd(PO3)(3) phosphors may have potential applications in modifying the solar spectrum to enhance the efficiency of silicon solar cells.