Fluorescence properties of novel near-infrared phosphor CaSc2O4:Ce3+, Nd3+

Novel near-infrared (NIR) phosphor, CaSc2O4:Ce3+, Nd3+, was synthesized by co-precipitation method followed by firing at 1300 °C in reduced atmosphere. When irradiated with blue light, the phosphor gives strong Nd3+ characteristic NIR emissions in the range of 880–930 nm. The NIR emission intensity gets a 200 times enhancement by co-doping of Ce3+. Detailed investigation on spectrum and fluorescence lifetimes indicated the NIR luminescence enhancement is obtained from an energy transfer process. The process initiates with efficient absorption of blue light by Ce3+ ions via an allowed 4f–5d transition, follow by efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Nd3+, and emitting strong Nd3+ characteristic fluorescence.

Research highlightsNovel near-infrared (NIR) phosphor, CaSc2O4:Ce3+, Nd3+, was synthesized. The phosphor gives strong Nd3+ characteristic NIR emissions in the range of 880–930 nm. The NIR emission intensity gets a 200 times enhancement benefited from the efficient energy transfer from a co-doped Ce3+. The energy transfer mechanism was also briefly based on detailed investigation on spectrum and fluorescence lifetime.