Concentration dependence study of VUV–UV–visible luminescence of Nd3+ and Gd3+ in LuLiF4

Abstract An overview of absorption and luminescence characteristics of Nd 3+ and Gd 3+ centers in a LiLuF 4 single crystal host is provided. Single crystals doped with the above rare earth ions were prepared by micro-pulling-down technique in the form of rods a few cm long with a diameter of about 2 mm. Excitation and emission spectra and fast decay kinetics in VUV and UV spectral regions were measured at room temperature. The observed absorption and emission peaks are due to the 5d–4f and 4f–4f optical transitions of Nd 3+ and Gd 3+ centers. Concentration dependence of the decay kinetics is also discussed.