Luminescence of Yb2+ in RbCaCl3

Abstract Yb 2+ emission is not reported very frequently. In several compounds it gets quenched well below room temperature. In some compounds anomalous emission related to trapped exciton levels is observed. Normal luminescence of Yb 2+ in RbCaCl 3 host is described here. Intense blue emission is observed. It is customary to compare f–d emission of Yb 2+ with that of Eu 2+ which is studied more frequently. In RbCaCl 3 host, Yb 2+ emission is at slightly longer wavelengths than those of Eu 2+ . Excitation spectra of Eu 2+ are also very broad, consisting of several overlapping bands. Excitation spectra of Yb 2+ , in contrast, consist of four better resolved bands. The longest wavelength band is at 385 nm. This could be useful for applications such as solid state lighting. PL spectra are explained in terms of known energy level diagram for Yb 2+ .