Optical spectroscopy, energy upconversion, and white-light emission characteristics of erbium-doped calcium fluoride crystal

Absorption spectrum of Er3+-dopedCaF2 revealed absorption peaks at 255, 365, 379, 407, 441, 449, 487, 522, 539, 652, and 798 nm. When the sample was excited with an 802-nm near-infrared laser, it revealed emissions at 390, 415, 462, 555, 665, and 790 nm due to stepwise excitation and energy transfer upconversion processes. The absorption and emission peaks are identified with Er3+ spectral transitions. The sample color appears to be either white or green under near-infrared laser excitation. Emission color was found to be dependent on the pump laser wavelength used and laser power. Excitation spectral recordings were made by tuning the pump laser wavelength. Excited state lifetimes are measured to analyze the data. Color coordinates and color temperatures are measured for 802- and 405-nm laser excitations. Our studies indicate that this sample is useful for solid-state lighting applications.