Sensitization of Pr3+ ions by Eu2+ ions in CaF2 thin films deposited by evaporation.

In the present article, we analyse the possibility of sensitizing the 3Pj levels of Pr3+ ion with Eu2+ ion in CaF2 thin film deposited by evaporation. Indeed, the forbidden nature of the 4f-4f transition of Pr3+ ion makes its absorption too weak for thin film applications, while materials doped with the Pr3+-Yb3+ couple are promising candidates for the achievement of efficient down-converter systems and could allow strong reduction of thermalization losses in silicon solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]