Energy Transfer Between Rare-Earth Ions

Abstract

Fluorescence quenching effects caused by multipolar energy‐transfer interactions between rare‐earth ions are examined. Transfer between remote ions by way of transitions that are matched in energy appears to be essentially dependent upon concentration alone (e.g., Sm³⁺ self‐quenching) while transfer by non‐resonant mechanisms can show a strong dependence upon crystal structure (e.g., Eu³⁺ self‐quenching). Examples of thermally dependent multipolar transfer interactions are also given.