Broadband near-infrared quantum cutting by Ce-Yb codoped YAG transparent glass ceramics for silicon solar cells

Ce³⁺-Yb³⁺ co-doped transparent glass ceramics containing YAG nanocrystals were prepared by a conventional melt-quenching method. Broadband near infrared quantum cutting was achieved in the glass ceramics and proved to be a cooperative down-conversion process. Under 460 nm excitation, ²F_5/2 to 5d₁ electronic transitions occurred in Ce³⁺ and transferred their energy to two neighboring Yb³⁺. The dependence of the luminescence spectra and decay curves on Yb³⁺ concentration was investigated to understand the energy transfer mechanism. The energy transfer efficiency and the down-conversion quantum efficiency were estimated to be as high as 77.8% and 177.8%, respectively. This work will open a new route towards increased efficiency in silicon solar cells.