Energy transfer mechanisms in Yb3+-doped GdVO4 near-infrared downconversion nanophosphor

Yb3+-doped GdVO4 nanophosphor was prepared by the co-precipitation method. Under ultraviolet (UV) light excitation, strong near-infrared (NIR) emission of Yb3+ (2F(5/2) --> 2F(7/2)) around 980 nm was observed. Owing to the host absorption of GdVO4, a broad excitation band ranging from 250 to 350 nm was recorded when the Yb3+ emission was monitored, which suggests an efficient energy transfer from the host to the Yb3+ ions. The concentration dependence of the visible vanadate emission and the Yb3+ emission was investigated. The decay curve of the vanadate emission was measured under the excitation of a 266 nm pulsed laser. The decay time of the vanadate emission at 500 nm was remarkably reduced by introducing Yb3+, further verifying that the energy transfer from the vanadate host to the Yb3+ ions was very efficient. Cooperative energy transfer (CET) is discussed as the possible energy transfer process. The temperature dependence of the emission intensity and decay time were also investigated for our further discussion.