Observation of photon cascade emission in the Pr3+-doped perovskite KMgF3

Pr3+-doped KMgF3 and YF3 were investigated by means of high energetic excit ation with synchrotron radiation. In the emission spectra bands due to the intraconfigurational 4f(2) --> 4f(2) transitions originating from the S-1(0 ) and P-3(0) multiplets of the Pr (3+) ion have been identified for both ma terials. In the excitation spectra in the ultraviolet/vacuum-ultraviolet sp ectral range weak lines due to the ISO as well as broad bands due to the in terconfigurational 4f(2)-4f5d transitions are observed. The quantum efficie ncy of the Pr3+:KMgF3 emission in the 400-750 nm spectral range is found to be higher than unity by comparison with that of Pr3+:YF3. (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science B.V. All rights reserved.