Layer-inversion zones in angular distributions of luminescence and absorption properties in biaxial crystals

Abstract

We numerically depict the complete angular distributions of luminescence and absorption properties in biaxial media, by calculating the imaginary part of the optical index for all directions of propagation. Our simulations show a double-layer surface with specific topology and symmetry properties that greatly differ from those of the refractive index surface. Our calculations show that the two layers intersect and inverse themselves along continuous loci related to polarization-independent luminescence or absorption properties. Specificities related to the orthorhombic, monoclinic and triclinic biaxial crystal systems are discussed. Such theoretical developments should be considered to fully exploit innovating luminescent materials. © 2010 by the authors.