4f5d configuration and photon cascade emission of Pr3+ in solids

VUV-Vis range spectroscopic characteristics from Pr3+ ions in CaMgAl14O23, LaF3, YBO3, YPO4 and LaF3 nanocrystals doped oxyfluoride glass ceramics are presented. Upon excitation into the 4f5d states, the emission spectra of Pr3+ correlated with the relative positions of the 1S0 state and the lowest 4f5d states. For Pr3+ ions in CaMgAl14O23 and LaF3, the lowest 4f5d state lies above the 1S0 state. So an efficient photon cascade emission occurred due to a two-step intraconfigurational 4f2→4f2 transition. For Pr3+ ions in YBO3 and YPO4, the lowest 4f5d state lies below the 1S0 state. The UV emission of 4f5d→4f2 transition was observed. Both types of Pr3+ ions exist in the oxyfluoride glass containing LaF3 nanocrystals. The positions of the lowest 4f5d state of Pr3+ in different host lattices are given.