Near infrared and visible luminescence of U3+-doped PbCl2 single crystals

Good optical quality U3+-doped PbCl2 single crystals of the composition Pb0.99U0.01Cl2 have been obtained by the Bridgman–Stockbarger method. Luminescence spectra of the crystals were recorded in a wide spectral range at room and liquid nitrogen temperatures, and are discussed. Strong infrared emission was observed under 514 nm laser pumping to the 5f26d1 bands. The lifetimes of the emitting levels in the visible and near infrared region are given.