YSZ:Dy3+ single crystal white emitter

Abstract

Dysprosium doped yttria stabilized zirconia single crystals grown by the laser floating zone method crystallize in the tetragonal form as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. In addition to the role of the dysprosium ion as stabilizer, the ion optical activation constitutes an opportunity to explore the zirconia-based material in the photonics area. The spectroscopic characteristics of the doped fibers were analyzed as a function of the amount of the Dy 3+ concentration. The ratio of blue and yellow transition of the Dy3+ ions indicates that lightly doped samples should be considered for the production of the white emission. The analysis of the excitation population mechanisms provides information on the ions preferential excitation paths for the desired optical applications. It was found that under ultraviolet excitation the lightly doped fibers exhibit an intense and bright white luminescence which can be observed by naked eye at room temperature. © 2011 The Royal Society of Chemistry.