Pr3+/Yb3+: PLZT ferroelectric ceramics for near-infrared radiation at 1340 nm.

The near-infrared luminescence properties of Pr3+/Yb3+: PLZT ferroelectric ceramics have been examined for the first time. Independently, upon either 450 nm (Pr3+) or 980 nm (Yb3+) excitation, luminescence centered at 1340 nm was observed, which corresponds to the 1G4→3H5 transition of Pr3+. Several spectroscopic parameters for the 1G4→3H5 transition of Pr3+ ions were determined. The average product of emission cross section and radiative lifetime were relatively large for all x/65/35 PLZT samples ( x=6-10) studied, with values close to 105±2 (×10−26 cm2·s). These spectroscopic investigations indicate that Pr3+/Yb3+: PLZT ferroelectric ceramics are promising candidate for efficient sources emitting near-infrared radiation at 1340 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]