Luminescence properties of Tm 3+ ions single-doped YF 3 materials in an unconventional excitation region.

According to the spectral distribution of solar radiation at the earth's surface, under the excitation region of 1150 to 1350 nm, the up-conversion luminescence of Tm3+ ions was investigated. The emission bands were matched well with the spectral response region of silicon solar cells, achieved by Tm3+ ions single-doped yttrium fluoride (YF3 ) phosphor, which was different from the conventional Tm3+ /Yb3+ ion couple co-doped materials. Additionally, the similar emission bands of Tm3+ ions were achieved under excitation in the ultraviolet region. It is expected that via up-conversion and down-conversion routes, Tm3+ -sensitized materials could convert photons to the desired wavelengths in order to reduce the energy loss of silicon solar cells, thereby enhancing the photovoltaic efficiency.