Comparison of co-operative down-conversion luminescence in Pr3+, Yb3+ doped CaF2 and SrF2

An optical study of the down conversion luminescence in Pr (0.5 mol%), Yb (1 mol%) doped CaF2 and SrF2 synthesized by high temperature Solid state reaction method has been done. The down-conversion luminescence intensities of both the hosts have also been compared to identify which is better in terms of optical properties. The photoluminescence excitation and emission were investigated under visible excitation at 445 nm. Besides optical characterization, magnetic properties were also investigated to quantify their magnetic behavior and their comparison. In the present case, the luminescence intensity is higher for SrF2: Pr,Yb and the detailed mechanism behind this has also been discussed. The study highlights the potential of Pr,Yb doped SrF2 and CaF2 for various optical and optoelectronic applications.