The recombination channels of luminescence excitation in YAG:Yb single crystalline films

Absorption and emission spectra, luminescence decay kinetics and thermostimulated luminescence of X-ray irradiated YAG:Yb single crystalline films were studied. Two emission bands peaked at 420 and 488 nm have been detected in the investigated films. The strong thermal quenching of luminescence band at 488 nm was observed above 160 K. The influence of growth conditions and annealing in air on the lifetime of Yb3+Yb3+ ion excited state in the IR spectral region have been revealed. The recombination mechanisms of the f–ff–f transition at Yb3+Yb3+ ion excitation, as well as the mechanism of lifetime shortening for the excited Yb3+Yb3+ luminescence have been discussed.