Photoluminescence dynamics in strontium titanate

The recombination dynamics of electron–hole pairs of pure and n-doped strontium titanate (STO) bulk samples after an intense UV laser-pulse excitation has been investigated by collecting and analyzing the frequency- and time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) signal, as a function of the sample temperature. The observed PL decay is in the nanosecond time-scale and it shows a peculiar mixed kinetics. In particular, two decay channels are clearly singled-out: the faster one has a decay-time that is markedly dependent on the photo-excited carrier density and it is well described as a bimolecular recombination process, while the second slower channel shows an excitation-independent rate and follows an unimolecular law. The PL spectra show a considerable variation with temperature, with a previously unreported, pronounced difference between pure and doped samples emerging at high temperatures. A first discussion of the possible underlying mechanisms is attempted.