Near-infrared quantum cutting in YVO4:Yb3+ thin-films via downconversion

An efficient near-infrared (NIR) quantum-cutting (QC) in YVO4:Yb3+ films has been demonstrated, which involves the emission of two low-energy NIR photons (around 980 nm) from an absorbed ultra-violet photon via a cooperative energy transfer (CET) from the host to Yb3+ ions. The dependence of Yb3+ doping concentration on the visible and NIR emissions, decay lifetime, and quantum efficiencies have been investigated in detail. The results show that the optimal concentration of Yb3+ ions for NIR emission is 4 mol%, and its maximum quantum efficiency approaches up to 127.7%. In addition, this film shows perfect transparency quality and is transparent in the visible and near infrared region. The maximum transparency obtained can reach as high as 90%. All these results further indicate its potential application as a luminescence converter layer for enhanced silicon solar cell performance.

► An efficient near-infrared quantum-cutting has been demonstrated in YVO4:Yb3+ films. ► The optimal concentration of Yb3+ for NIR emission is 4 mol%. ► The best quantum efficiency approaches up to 127.7%. ► The maximum transparency can reach as high as 90%.