Highly efficient quantum cutting in Yb/Pr-codoped NaY(WO4)2 crystal

Cutting one ultraviolet photon into three near-infrared (NIR) photons can effectively improve the efficiency of silicon solar cells. We prepared Yb-doped, Pr-doped, and Yb/Pr-codoped NaY(WO4)2 (NYW) crystals. The Yb/Pr-codoped sample can divide the ultraviolet and blue photons into ∼1000 nm NIR photons, which brings strong emission at the NIR wavelength range. On the basis of the luminescence spectra and lifetime analysis, the quantum efficiency of the material is higher. •The downconversion efficiency of the Yb/Pr-codoped sample is around 258.48%.•The sample can divide one 310 nm ultraviolet photon into three ∼1000 nm NIR photons.•Our materials will be helpful in developing the solar cells.