VUV spectroscopy of wide band-gap crystals doped with rare earth ions

Spectral and kinetic properties of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) luminescence fr om different fluoride crystals doped with Nd3+, Er3+ or Tm3+ are discussed. Concentration quenching of VUV luminescence, the impact mechanism of the e nergy transfer from the matrix to the emission centers as well as nonradiat ive relaxation processes in the rare earth ions have been detected and stud ied. The crystal properties are analyzed from the viewpoint of their possib le applications as materials for fast VUV scintillators and VUV solid state lasers, Only some of Nd3+ doped crystals possess simultaneously both high light output and relatively good timing properties of VUV luminescence and such crystals can be considered as promising materials for fast VUV scintil lators. On the other hand, many of Er and Tm3+ doped fluoride crystals are very attractive candidates as active media for tunable VUV solid state lase rs with optical pumping. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .