Near infrared Er3+ photoluminescence from erbium metallofullerenes

Near infrared photoluminescence spectra of Er3+ have been measured in samples containing erbium metallofullerenes. The structured emission lines in the region of 1.52 microns are typical of Er3+ emission. Mass spectrometry measurements on the samples reveal the presence of erbium metallofullerenes in the samples. Possible sources of the observed signal are discussed in terms of specific erbium metallofullerenes identified in the mass spectrum. In addition, differences between the emission spectra of samples generated from raw soot and toluene extract are presented and discussed.