Broadband near-infrared quantum cutting by Ce–Yb codoped YAG transparent glass ceramics for silicon solar cells

Ce(3+)–Yb(3+) co-doped transparent glass ceramics containing YAG nanocrystals were prepared by a conventional melt-quenching method. Broadband near infrared quantum cutting was achieved in the glass ceramics and proved to be a cooperative down-conversion process. Under 460 nm excitation, (2)F(5/2) to 5d(1) electronic transitions occurred in Ce(3+) and transferred their energy to two neighboring Yb(3+). The dependence of the luminescence spectra and decay curves on Yb(3+) concentration was investigated to understand the energy transfer mechanism. The energy transfer efficiency and the down-conversion quantum efficiency were estimated to be as high as 77.8% and 177.8%, respectively. This work will open a new route towards increased efficiency in silicon solar cells.