Near-infrared luminescence enhancing by introducing alkali metal ions in Sr2CeO4:Yb3+

NIR luminescence phosphors Sr2CeO4:Yb3+, M+ (M+ =Li+, Na+, K+) were synthesized by conventional solid-state method in the present paper. The prepared phosphors are characterized by XRD and fluorescence spectrometer. Under UV light excitation, the NIR emission intensity of Yb3+:F-2(5/2)-> F-2(7/2) around 1 mu m of Sr2CeO4:Yb3+ is strengthened significantly by introducing appropriate alkali metal cations dopants (Li+, Na+, K+) into the crystalline lattice. The relevant mechanisms have been discussed in detail. The peculiar optical properties make Sr2CeO4:Yb3+, M+ (M =Li+, Na+, K+) promising for potential application in the high efficiency silicon-based solar cells. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.