Photoluminescence of neodymium and erbium doped NaLaF4 material

• Energy transfer from Nd3+ to Er3+ in NaLaF4:Er3+, Nd3+ samples has been observed.
• Er3+ luminescence bands appear as result of different energy transfer mechanisms.
• Possible luminescence and energy transfer mechanisms have been offered.

In the course of this research several NaLaF4 samples doped with different Er3+ and Nd3+ concentrations have been synthesized. For these samples photoluminescence spectra, kinetics and excitation spectra have been measured. It has been found that when samples containing Nd3+ and Er3+ impurities are excited in specific Nd3+ bands not only Nd3+ but also Er3+ luminescence bands appear. The studies of the decay kinetics show that there is an energy transfer from Nd3+ to Er3+, moreover “green” and “red” Er3+ luminescence bands appear as result of two different energy transfer mechanisms. In addition, photoluminescence processes in Nd3+ ions are investigated. Based on the obtained experimental results luminescence and energy transfer processes in NaLaF4:Er3+, Nd3+ material are discussed.