Spectroscopic properties of lanthanide chelates in perfluorinated plastics for optical applications

The absorption spectra of neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), erbium (Er), and thulium (Tm) ions in perfluorinated (PF) plastic solutions were measured, and the Judd–Ofelt parameters of the Er and Nd ions have been calculated. The radiative properties of the Nd and Er ions in PF plastic solutions were determined from the absorption measurements and the Judd–Ofelt theory. The fluorescence spectrum of Nd3+ in a PF plastic solution from 900 nm to 1350 nm was measured for the first time, to our knowledge. Furthermore, the PF plastic films containing lanthanide chelates were fabricated by spin coating, and the refractive indices of the films were measured.