Energy transfer from Pr3+ to Gd3+ ions in BaB8O13 phosphor for phototherapy lamps

A series of BaB8O13 phosphors doped with different concentrations of Gd3+ ions and co-doped with Pr3+ ions were synthesized by solid state synthesis method. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the formation of the compound in a crystalline and homogeneous form. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed to study the surface morphology of the compound and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy measurements determined the nature of bonding between elements of the compounds. The photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectra of BaB8O13:Gd3+ phosphor showed excitation peaks at 246 nm, 252 nm and 274 nm. The prominent emission peak was observed at 313 nm which is in narrow band ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) range. Energy transfer was achieved by co-doping Pr3+ ions with Gd3+ ions. PL decay time was also measured for BaB8O13: Gd3+, Pr3+ phosphor. Emission at 313 nm can be used for the treatment of skin diseases.