White light emission from Eu3+/Dy3+ co-doped LiYF4 crystal excited by UV light

•Eu3+, Dy3+ co-doped LiYF4 single crystal was grown by Bridgman method.•This crystal could be excited by UV light and generates white light.•385 nm wavelength is the most efficient for white light (the CIE coordinate is x≈0.303, y≈0.316).

Eu3+, Dy3+ co-doped LiYF4 single crystal capable of generating white light by simultaneous emission of red, green, and blue emitting fluorescent centers has been produced for the first time. Both chromaticity coordinates and photoluminescence intensity vary with the excitation wavelengths. Under 363 nm, 385 nm and 395 nm excitation, the crystal shows excellent white light emission. 385 nm wavelength is the most efficient for white light (the CIE coordinate is x≈0.303, y≈0.316, and color temperature Tc=7216 K). This indicates that the crystal studied can be a potential candidate for the UV light excited white light emitting diode.

Graphical abstractThis image shows that Eu3+/Dy3+ co-doped LiYF4 crystal could generate white light when excited by 363, 385 and 395 nm. 385 nm wavelength is the most efficient for white light (the CIE coordinate is x≈0.303, y≈0.316).Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide