Energy transfer in Pr3+- and Cr3+-codoped SrAl12O19 system

The energy transfer processes in Pr3+- and Cr3+-codoped SrAl12O19 system are studied experimentally. The transfer can convert the 1S0 ultraviolet fluorescence of Pr3+ into the red emission of Cr3+. The 3P0 state, which may be populated by 1S0→1I6 emission, can also act as a donor state in the transfer to Cr3+. Cross-relaxation process is reported firstly in energy transfer between the pair of Pr3+–Cr3+ in SrAl12O19 system. Two-step energy transfer is discussed, which involves two visible photons for each vacuum ultraviolet photon absorbed.