Synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties of Yb3+/Er3+ codoped BaGd2(MoO4)4 powder

Synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties of the new BaGd2(MoO4)4:Yb3+,Er3+ phosphor were reported in this paper. The phosphor powder was obtained by the traditional high temperature solid-state method, and its phase structure was characterized by the XRD pattern. Based on the upconversion luminescence properties studies, it is found that, under 980 nm semiconductor laser excitation, BaGd2(MoO4)4:Yb3+,Er3+ phosphor exhibits intense green upconversion luminescence, which is ascribed to 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+. While the observed much weaker red emission is due to the non-radiative relaxation process of 4S3/2 → 4F9/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition originating from the same Er3+. The concentration quenching effects for both Yb3+ and Er3+ were found, and the optimum doping concentrations of 0.5 mol% Yb3+ and 0.08 mol% Er3+ in the new BaGd2(MoO4)4 Gd3+ host were established.