Preparation, structure and up-conversion luminescence properties of novel cryolite K(3)YF(6):Er(3+), Yb(3+)

Cryolite is a suitable host for up-conversion luminescent materials due to its low phonon energy and good optical transparency. In this work, a novel up-conversion material K(3)YF(6):Yb(3+), Er(3+) with a cryolite structure was prepared successfully by a solid state method. The crystal structure, morphology, composition and up-conversion luminescence properties of the as-prepared sample were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescence spectrometer in detail. K(3)YF(6):Er(3+), Yb(3+) has a cryolite structure. Under 980 nm excitation, the as-prepared sample can generate slight green emission at 524 and 546 nm (attributed to (2)H(11/2) → (4)I(15/2) transition, (4)S(3/2)→(4)I(15/2) transition of Er(3+)) and strong red emission at 661 and 672 nm (corresponding to (4)F(9/2) → (4)I(15/2) transition, (4)I(9/2) → (4)I(15/2) transition of Er(3+)). All the green and red up-conversion emission of K(3)YF(6):Er(3+), Yb(3+) transfer and electronic transition process of the red and green light the sample emitted, the possible luminescence mechanism is discussed in this paper.