Three-photon near-infrared quantum cutting in β-NaGdF4:Yb3+

Abstract Three-photon near-infrared quantum cutting of Gd 3+ to Yb 3+ was observed in β -NaGdF 4 :Yb 3+ for the first time. The consistency between theoretical predictions by applying rate equations in the quantum cutting model and experimental results obtained from fluorescence spectra successfully confirmed the occurrence of three-photon near-infrared quantum cutting. The strong interaction between Yb 3+ ions is a key factor affecting energy transfer. Maximum energy transfer efficiency and the quantum efficiency can reach 98.2% and 296.5%, respectively. High-efficiency three-photon near-infrared quantum cutting has an admirably promising application prospect in improving the photoelectric conversion efficiency of c-Si solar cells.