Synthesis and Luminescence of Sr1– x – yYbxEuyF2+ x + y Solid Solutions for Photonics

Abstract

Single-phase Sr_{1– x – y}Yb_xEu_yF_{2+ x + y} solid solutions with an average particle size near 90 nm have been synthesized via co-precipitation from aqueous solutions, followed by high-temperature annealing. Efficient Yb³⁺ luminescence was observed upon excitation at a wavelength of 266 nm. The highest external quantum yield of ytterbium luminescence (2.5%) under pumping at a wavelength of 266 nm was reached for the SrF₂:Yb(1.0 mol %),Eu(0.05 mol %) composition.