Enhancement of Tb–Yb quantum cutting emission by inverse opal photonic crystals

Abstract Yb 3+ , Tb 3+ co-doped YPO 4 inverse opal photonic crystal was prepared directly by sol–gel technique in combination with self-assembly method. With the influence of the photonic band gap, quantum cutting emission of Tb 3+ , Yb 3+ was investigated in photonic crystals by photoluminescence and fluorescence lifetime. The result clearly shows that, when the spontaneous emission of donor Tb 3+ is inhibited by photonic band gap, Tb 3+ -Yb 3+ quantum cutting quantum efficiency from Tb 3+ to Yb 3+ could be enhanced from 131.2% to 140.5%. The mechanisms for the influence of the photonic band gap on quantum cutting process of Tb 3+ and Yb 3+ are discussed. We believe that the present work will be valuable for the foundational study of quantum cutting energy transfer process and application of quantum cutting optical devices in spectral modification materials for silicon solar cells.