Energy Transfer between Tb3+ and Eu3+

Solid-state lanthanide materials find extensive application as lasers, phosphors, scintillators, and optical display devices. For optimum performance, the losses of energy in these processes are minimized, and the wavelength of the light emitted should be as required. One method to achieve these goals is to use a pair of ions so that one (the donor) is a good absorber of energy, whereas the other ion (the acceptor) is a good emitter. The passage of energy from the donor to the acceptor is called energy transfer (ET). The deficit or excess of energy has to be provided or absorbed by the surroundings of the ions in the solid. Little is known about the mechanisms of these processes in systems where the ions have high symmetry environments. This project investigates both experimentally and theoretically the ET mechanisms in detail by utilizing the ET between Tb3+and Eu3+. The outcome will provide a deeper practical understanding of how to improve the efficiency of devices incorporating lanthanide ions that emit light.