Luminescence from Erbium-Activated Group II–VI Compounds Containing Alkali Metal Compensators

Abstract

Group II–VI compounds, doped with trivalent erbium, were prepared with alkali‐metal compensators. Striking differences are found in the emission spectra, with respect to intensity and spectral character, and the suppression in host‐lattice‐emission in lithium‐compensated materials. The temperature dependence of the and transitions was studied. Emission appearing with excitation was found and was assigned tentatively to the transition. A model is proposed for the observed transitions.