Near-IR luminescence in bismuth-doped AgCl crystals

TL;DR

This study investigates near-IR luminescence in bismuth-doped AgCl crystals, combining experimental spectroscopy and computer modeling to identify Bi^+ ions as the likely luminescent centers.

Contribution

It provides new insights into the spectral properties of Bi-doped AgCl and identifies Bi^+ ions substituting for Ag^+ as the probable luminescent centers.

Findings

Broad near-IR luminescence band observed at 0.8-1.2 μm

Luminescence lifetime components of 1.5 and 10.3 μs identified

Bi^+ ions are likely responsible for the IR luminescence

Abstract

Experimental and computer-modeling studies of spectral properties of crystalline AgCl doped with metal bismuth or bismuth chloride are performed. Broad near-IR luminescence band in the 0.8--1.2mkm range with time dependence described by two exponential components corresponding to the lifetimes of 1.5 and 10.3mks is excited mainly by 0.39--0.44mkm radiation. Computer modeling of probable Bi-related centers in AgCl lattice is performed. On the basis of experimental and calculation data a conclusion is drawn that the IR luminescence can be caused by Bi^+ ion centers substituted for Ag^+ ions.