VUV excitation and 1S0 emission of Pr3+ in BaSiF6 and selecting host lattices with 1S0 Pr3+ emission

We have studied the luminescence characteristics of Pr3+ in BaSiF6 powder samples co-doped with K+ in the 60–800 nm range at room and liquid He temperature. After excitation in the 4f5d configuration of Pr3+, emission from the 1S0 state is observed but no 4f5d→4f2 emission. The 1S0 state is measured in excitation spectra as a weak line about 6200 cm−1 below the maximum of the lowest energy 4f5d crystal field state. Emission from the 3P0 and 1D2 multiplets is almost completely quenched which is not yet fully understood. Under band-to-band (11.7 eV or higher energy) excitation at 12 K, we observe excitonic emission, peaking at 327 nm, which is quenched at room temperature. A reliable prediction can be made whether 1S0 emission of Pr3+ can be expected in a host lattice. It is based on the 4fn→4fn−15d excitation energy of other trivalent lanthanides or on the 4f7→4f65d excitation energy of Eu2+ in the same host lattice. It also appears that when 6P7/2 line emission of Eu2+ is observed, 1S0 emission of Pr3+ can be expected. A list of host lattices is presented for which 1S0 emission is expected when doped with Pr3+.