Luminescence properties of Nd3+-doped (Y,Gd)BO3 phosphors

A system of 0.03 mol Nd3+-doped (Y,Gd)BO3 phosphors were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction method for different concentrations of Gd3+ ions and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and NIR emission measurements. The emitted radiation was dominated by 1057 nm peak in the NIR region as a result of 4F3/2 → 4I11/2 transitions of Nd3+ ions. As the concentration of Gd3+ ions increases from 0.00 to 0.57 mol, the grain sizes and the intensity of NIR emission peaks were improved. The results are discussed in comparison with similar reported works.