Visible quantum cutting in BaGd2ZnO5:Eu3+ phosphor

Eu3+ doped BaGd2ZnO5 phosphor was synthesized by a traditional solid-state reaction. The crystal structure of the product was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). The ultraviolet (UV) and vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoluminescence properties of the phosphor were studied. Excitation spectra inferred that efficient energy transfer from Gd3+ to Eu3+ exists in the BaGd2ZnO5:Eu3+. The visible quantum cutting process based on the Gd3+–Eu3+ couple was observed in the BaGd2ZnO5:Eu3+ phosphor. Two-step energy transfer process from Gd3+ to Eu3+, viz. a cross-relaxation and a sequential transfer of the remaining excitation energy, is the mechanism responsible for visible quantum cutting in BaGd2ZnO5:Eu3+ phosphor. Quantum cutting efficiency in BaGd2ZnO5:Eu3+ was calculated to be around 133%.