Recent research results :

The emission lifetime of Sm²⁺ ions doped in MFX (M=Ba, Sr; X=Br, I) crystals was investigated as a function of pressure and temperature. The decay of the ⁵D_J(J=0,1,2) levels showed single exponential relaxation. The analysis of these experiments yielded the position of the lowest 4f⁵5d¹ state as well as non-radiative rate constants. These values were compared with those for Sm²⁺ doped in other matlockite host crystals. The single exponential decrease of the ⁵D_0,1 lifetime as a function of pressure was described considering the increased radiative decay rates of these ⁵D_0,1 levels through electronic mixing between the 4f⁵5d¹ and ⁵D_Jstates.