Ce3+ sensitized bright white light emission from colloidal Ln3+ doped CaF2 nanocrystals for the development of transparent nanocomposites

Abstract

Intense white light emission is observed from colloidal single component Ce³⁺/Tm³⁺/Tb³⁺/Sm³⁺-doped CaF₂ nanocrystals. This combination is quite advantageous for the production of strong white light as the individual blue, green and red emissions are obtained by using Ce³⁺ as a single broadband excitation source. In addition, there is barely any cross-relaxation noted between the optically active lanthanide ions (Tm³⁺, Tb³⁺ and Sm³⁺). The high dispersibility of the nanocrystals in polar solvents assists in the fabrication of transparent nanocomposites via incorporation of the nanocrystals into polymers without affecting the optical properties of the nanocrystals.