Studies of the spectroscopic properties of Pr3+ doped LaF3 nanocrystals/glass

Emission and excitation spectra are presented for praseodymium (Pr3+, 0.01 at%) doped oxyfluoride glass host containing LaF3 nanocrystals. Two types of Pr3+ ions, those in LaF3 nanocrystals and those in the glass host, are characterized by spectroscopic and dynamical studies. Pr3+ ions in the glass are selectively excited by pumping the 4f5d band and UV emission is observed. For Pr3+ ions in the glass, the relaxation of 3P0 is dominated by multi-phonon processes to 1D2.