Semiconductor host for designing phosphors for modification of solar spectrum

Synthesis and characterization of SrCrO4 activated with rare earth Nd3+ and Yb3+ is reported for the first time. Interesting luminescence properties have been observed for the synthesized phosphors. Host sensitized near infrared (NIR) emission is observed for Yb3+ doped phosphor which occurs as a result of cooperative energy transfer. Downshifted Nd3+ emission which is again in the NIR region can be excited by f-f transitions as well as by host absorption followed by energy transfer. The excitation spectra of these phosphors cover 350-500 nm region showing excellent overlap with solar spectrum that is not efficiently converted by c-Si solar cells. Emission is around 1 pm where photovoltaic conversion of c-Si is most efficient. These properties make them suitable as downshifting/downconversion phosphors for c-Si solar cells.