Enhancement of the luminescence intensity by co-doping Mn2+ into Er3+-doped SrAl2O4

Structural and optical properties of erbium- and manganese-doped strontium aluminates (SrAl2O4) phosphor materials synthesized by a solid state reaction were investigated. The samples presented the fundamental optical transitions due to Er3+ and Mn2+ which are typical features of the well-diluted doping process. A significant enhancement of the Er3+ optical emission band at 1530 nm was observed when the matrix is co-doped with Mn. Photoluminescence intensity under ultraviolet excitation was three times larger as compared to samples without Mn content. A model of energy transfer mechanism from Mn2+ to Er3+ ions due to optical energy matching is proposed to explain the experimental results. This result, presented first time, can be applied as useful tool for developments in optical communications.