Efficient near-infrared downconversion in GdVO4:Dy3+ phosphors for enhancing the photo-response of solar cells

Near-infrared (NIR) downconversion (DC) has been observed in a Dy3+-doped GdVO4 phosphor, where one ultraviolet-blue photon can be split efficiently into two NIR photons. Underlying mechanism for the process of NIR-DC is analyzed in terms of absorption spectrum, static and dynamic photoemission and monitored excitation spectra. Internal quantum efficiency is obtained up to 111% on the basis of experimental and theoretical calculation results. This enables the phosphor promising in significant enhancement of spectral response of silicon solar cells, particularly in the range of 200–500 nm.

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► Efficient near-infrared downconversion, involving the conversion of a UV-blue photon into two near-infrared photons, has been observed in GdVO4:Dy3+ phosphors.
► Internal quantum efficiency of the phosphors has been obtained up to 111% on the basis of the Judd–Ofelt theory and experimental lifetime.
► The phosphor might be promising in significant enhancement of spectral response of photovoltaic cells.