Dynamical processes of energy transfer in red emitting phosphor CaMoO4:Sm3+, Eu3+

Upon 4K11/2 excitation of Sm3+ at 405 nm, the performance of energy transfer from Sm3+ to Eu3+ in the red emitting phosphor CaMoO4:Eu3+, Sm3+ significantly extends its excitation region for better matching the near-UV LED. Photoluminescence spectra indicate that the energy transfer pathway concerns the relaxation from 4K11/2 to 4G5/2 of Sm3+ and subsequent transfer to 5D0 of Eu3+ rather than 5D1 of Eu3+. The fluorescent decay pattern of Sm3+4G5/2 level in CaMoO4:0.5% Sm3+, 2% Eu3+ is studied at 77 K based on the Inokuti–Hirayama formula, revealing an electronic dipole–dipole interaction between Sm3+ and Eu3+. The coefficient for the energy transfer is obtained to be 8.5 × 10−40 s−1 cm6. The fluorescence rise and decay pattern of Eu3+5D0 level as Sm3+ is only excited at 77 K is well described by the dynamical processes of the energy transfer.

► The introduction of Sm3+ to CaMoO4:Eu3+ extends its absorption region for near-UV LED.
► The energy transfer pathway is from 4G5/2 of Sm3+ to 5D0 rather than 5D1 of Eu3+.
► The decay pattern of Sm3+4G5/2 level is studied at 77 K based on the I–H formula.
► An electronic dipole–dipole interaction between Sm3+ and Eu3+ is convinced.
► The coefficient for the energy transfer is obtained to be 8.5 × 10−40 s−1 cm6.