Open AccessEfficient near-infrared quantum cutting in NaYF_4: Ho^3+, Yb^3+ for solar photovoltaics
Author(s) -
Kaiming Deng,
Tao Gong,
Lingxun Hu,
Xiantao Wei,
Yonghu Chen,
Min Yin
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.001749
Subject(s) - quantum efficiency , infrared , materials science , optoelectronics , photon , quantum , optics , physics , quantum mechanics
Quantum cutting converting a ultraviolet photon into two near-infrared photons has been demonstrated by spectroscopic measurements in NaYF4:Ho3+,Yb3+ synthesized by hydrothermal method. Evidence is provided to confirm the occurrence of quantum cutting. Upon excitation of Ho3+ 5G4 level, near-infrared quantum cutting could occur through a two-step resonance energy transfer from Ho3+ to Yb3+ by cross relaxation, with a maximum quantum efficiency of 155.2%. This result reveals the possibility of violet to near-infrared quantum cutting with a quantum efficiency larger than 100% in Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped fluorides, suggesting the possible application in modifying the solar spectrum to enhance the efficiency of silicon solar cells.