Enhanced near infrared luminescence of Lu2GeO5: Nd3+ by the co-doping of Bi3+

Near infrared luminescence of Nd3+ ions have obtained extensive applications. Sensitation from another luminescence centers is crucial to the applications of Nd3+ for the poor absorption of Nd3+ in ultraviolet and visible spectral regions. Few investigations chose Bi3+ as a sensitizer for Nd3+. In this work, exploring Lu2GeO5 as a host, we clearly found and powerfully confirmed the sensitation effect of Bi3+ on Nd3+. The measurement of the temperature-dependent PL spectra and consequent calculation to the thermal activation energy show phosphors Lu2-x-yGeO5:xBi(3+), yNd(3+) present desirable thermal stability of luminescence. Present investigation results show that the co-doping of Bi3+ can effectively enhance the luminescence of Nd3+ and promote the application of Nd3+ luminescence in many fields.