Nano Particles of Luminescent Lanthanide Materials

Abstract

The lanthanide ions have fascinating optical properties, including brightness and luminescence. Towards this end, many recent efforts have aimed to develop new or improved optical devices via the pairing of appropriate host materials (chemical compositions) with doped lanthanide ions [1-2]. Trivalent lanthanide ions are characterized by a gradual filling of the 4f orbitals, from 4f 0 (La3+) to 4f 14 (Lu3+). These electronic [Xe] f N configurations (N = 0-14) generate a variety of electronic energy levels [3], resulting in intricate optical properties [4]. Consequently, each lanthanide ion exhibits narrow and characteristic 4f-4f transitions. All Ln3+ ions (except La3+ and Lu3+) can produce f-f emissions from ultraviolet to visible and near-infrared ranges.The lanthanide elements manifest this behavior [5], and for this reason they are used in multiple technological applications, such as: lighting devices (economic luminescent lamps, light emitting diodes), television and computer screens, optical fibers, optical amplifiers and lasers.