Quantitatively understanding defects in phosphors from a nano perspective

Researchers led by Hong Zhang at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences of the University of Amsterdam have been able to provide insight into the microscopic dynamics of energy transfer and conversion in doped phosphors. Using dedicated nanostructures and computer modeling they were able to quantitatively determine the mechanism of interaction between hydroxyl impurities and luminescence centers inside lanthanide-doped phosphors. Their findings, which have just been published by the Nature journal Light: Science and Applications, will contribute to the development of novel, highly efficient upconversion materials.