Luminescence of Doped Silver Chloride Crystals

Abstract

Luminescences of silver chloride crystals doped with CdCl₂ and FeCl₃ are measured spectroscopically at low temperatures. Effects of auxiliary infrared light on them and on photoconductivities are also measured. Cd ions change the normal luminescence of silver chloride of maximum at about 485 mμ to longer wavelength one of 545 mμ at low temperatures. When the latter luminescence is thermally quenched, the usual maximum of 485 mμ recovers and then it is also thermally quenched. The infrared light enhances the luminescence of 545 mμ and quenched that of 485 mμ. This quenching is drastic when Fe ions are added. The photoconductivity is enhanced by the infrared light in Cd doped crystals and almost not quenched in Fe doped crystals. An energy band model is given to explain the experimental results.