Energy transfer between Sm3+ and Er3+ in orthophosphate YPO4

The energy transfer between Sm3+ and Er3+ ions in yttrium orthophosphate is studied. This choice of ions is based on the possibility of quantum cutting processes and the host material is selected according to the position of the 5d bands of the Sm3+ ion. The Sm3+ and Er3+ doped and Sm3+, Er3+ co-doped YPO4 have been synthesized. Spectroscopic studies were done in the ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet ranges. The energy transfer between Sm3+ and Er3+ is very efficient but it does not lead to Er3+ visible emission. Whatever the excitation wavelength, the emission of co-doped samples mainly occurs in the infrared range.