Synthesis and near-infrared luminescence properties of LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+

Near-infrared emitting phosphors LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+ were prepared by the solid-state method, and their structures and luminescent properties were investigated by using X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence analysis, respectively. The studies shows that tetragonal LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+ can be synthesized by the solid-state reaction at 600 °C for 3 h. Upon 353 nm UV excitation, LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+ sample shows strong near-infrared emission lines in the region of 1060–1150 nm (corresponding to 4F3/2 → 4IJ′ transition of Nd3+, J′ = 9/2, 11/2, 13/2, 15/2) and 980–1050 nm (corresponding to 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition of Yb3+). The decreasing emission intensity of Nd3+ with increasing doping concentration of Yb3+ proved the energy transfer in LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+. The possible near-infrared emission and energy transfer mechanism between Nd3+ and Yb3+, as well as the energy transfer efficiency of LaOCl:Nd3+/Yb3+ were discussed.