Synthesis and luminescence characterization of Pr 3+ , Gd 3+ co‐doped SrF 2 transparent ceramics

Abstract Pr 3+ , Gd 3+ co‐doped SrF 2 transparent ceramic, as the potential material for visible luminescent applications, was prepared by hot‐pressing of precursor nanopowders. The microstructure, phase compositions, and in‐line transmittance, as well as the photoluminescence properties were investigated systematically. Highly optical quality Pr,Gd:SrF 2 transparent ceramic with nearly pore‐free microstructure was obtained at 800°C for 1.5 hours. The average in‐line transmittance of the x at.% Pr, 6 at.% Gd:SrF 2 ( x = 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0) transparent ceramics reached to 87.3 % in the infrared region. The photoluminescence spectra presented intense visible light emissions under the excitation of 444 nm, the main intrinsic emission bands located at 483 and 605 nm, which were attributed to the transitions of Pr 3+ : 3 P 0 → 3 H 4 and 1 D 2 → 3 H 4 , respectively. With the co‐doping of Gd 3+ ions, the emission intensity of the Pr:SrF 2 transparent ceramic was greatly enhanced. All the emission bands of x at.% Pr, 6 at.% Gd:SrF 2 transparent ceramics exhibited the highest luminescence intensity with the 1.0 at.% Pr 3+ doping concentrations, whereas the lifetimes decreased dramatically with the Pr 3+ doping contents increasing from 0.2 to 2.0 at.% due to its intense concentration quenching effect. The 1 at.% Pr, 6 at.% Gd:SrF 2 transparent ceramic is a promising material for visible luminescent device applications.