Observation of cross-ionization is Gd3Sc2Al3O12 : Ce3+

A cross-relaxation process has been observed in Gd3Sc2Al3O12 : Ce3+ between Gd3+ and Ce3+ ions that results in a promotion of Ce3+ electrons into the host conduction band. Energy transfer between the Gd3+ and Ce3+ ions is evident in the Ce3+ excitation spectrum, which shows sharp features coinciding with Gd3+ transition, in addition to the broad Ce3+ 5d bands. To demonstrate the presence of a “cross-ionization” process we conducted photoconductive studies of the garnet. Photoconductivity is a direct way to detect electron transfer processes—in our case photoconductive studies confirm the promotion of an impurity electron into the host conduction band via energy transfer.