Concentration dependence study of VUV–UV–visible luminescence of Nd3+ and Gd3+ in LuLiF4

► R&D of new fast scintillators emitting in VUV spectral region. ► We examine the absorption and luminescence characteristics of Nd3+ and Gd3+ centers in LiLuF4 single crystal host. ► Crystals doped with the Nd3+ and Gd3+ ions were prepared by micro-pulling-down technique. ► Excitation and emission spectra and fast decay kinetics in VUV, and UV spectral regions were measured at room temperature. ► Concentration dependence of VUV–UV–visible luminescence is discussed. An overview of absorption and luminescence characteristics of Nd3+ and Gd3+ centers in a LiLuF4 single crystal host is provided. Single crystals doped with the above rare earth ions were prepared by micro-pulling-down technique in the form of rods a few cm long with a diameter of about 2mm. Excitation and emission spectra and fast decay kinetics in VUV and UV spectral regions were measured at room temperature. The observed absorption and emission peaks are due to the 5d–4f and 4f–4f optical transitions of Nd3+ and Gd3+ centers. Concentration dependence of the decay kinetics is also discussed.