Near-infrared down-conversion luminescence in Yb3+ doped self-activated TbZn(B5O10) phosphor

A series of near-infrared quantum-cutting Tb3+-based Tb1-xZn(B5O10):xYb(3+) phosphor was prepared by a high-temperature solid-state method according to rare-earth's self-activation characteristic. The lattice structure and luminescence performances under UV-light's excitation were studied. The conclusion that the doped Yb3+ ion only occupies Tb3+ ion's site was revealed by XRD patterns. The Tb3+ D-5(4)-F-7(J) characteristic emission spectra and the 974 nm near-infrared light generated by Yb3+ F-2(5/2)-F-2(7/2) emissions were discussed in Tb1-xZn(B5O10):xYb(3+) under 365-nm-UV-light excitation. The cooperative energy transfer mechanism between Tb3+ and Yb3+ was established by the fluorescence spectra. The above investigations indicate Tb1-xZn(B5O10):xYb(3+) a potential down-converter layer in silicon-based solar cells.