Synthesis and luminescence study of the rare earth ion (Nd3+) doped Sr₃Bi(PO₄)₃ phosphor

Results of a first investigations on luminescence in Nd[Formula: see text] doped Sr 3 Bi(PO 4 ) 3 are presented. Typical emission is in near infrared (NIR) region consisting of lines attributable to f–f transitions. The excitation also comes from f–f transitions involving higher energy levels, spanning a broad spectral range starting from near ultraviolet (nUV) running through NIR. As much as 5[Formula: see text]mol.% of Nd[Formula: see text] could be doped before concentration quenching of luminescence set in. The quenching was attributed to energy transfer between Nd[Formula: see text] ions taking place through a multipolar mechanism; the critical distance being 21.64[Formula: see text]Å. An easy synthesis method involving low-cost chemicals and favorable luminescence properties makes this phosphor a potential candidate for NIR applications.