Effcient Near-Infrared Quantum Cutting in Tm3+/Yb3 Codoped LiYF4 Single Crystals for Solar Photovoltaic

Downconversion (DC) with emission of two near-infrared photons about 1000 nm for each blue photon absorbed was obtained in thulium (Tm³⁺) and ytterbium (Yb³ ) codoped yt-trium lithium fluoride (LiYF₄) single crystals grown by an improved Bridgman method. The luminescent properties of the crystals were measured through photoluminescence excitation, emission spectra and decay curves. Luminescence between 960 and 1050 nm from Yb³ : ²F_5/2→²F_7/2 transition, which was originated from the DC from Tm³ ions to Yb³ ions, was observed under the excitation of blue photon at 465 nm. Moreover, the energy transfer processes were studied based on the Inokuti-Hirayama model, and the results indicated that the energy transfer from Tm³ to Yb³ was an electric dipole-dipole interaction. The max-imum quantum cutting effciency approached up to 167.5% in LiYF₄ single crystal codoped with 0.49mol% Tm³ and 5.99mol% Yb³ . Application of this crystal has prospects for increasing the energy e ciency of crystalline Si solar cells by photon doubling of the high energy part of the solar spectrum     

不同掺杂浓度Tm3+：LiLuF4单晶的1800 nm荧光发射

采用坩埚下降法生长了Tm³⁺掺杂浓度为0.45%,0.90%,1.63%与3.25%（摩尔分数,x）的LiLuF₄单晶.测试了样品的电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱（ICP-AES）、X射线衍射（XRD）谱、吸收光谱（1400-2000 nm）,并且分析比较了808 nm半导体激光器（LD）激发下荧光光谱. 结果表明：当Tm³⁺的浓度从0.45%变化到3.25%时,1800 nm处的荧光强度呈现了先增后减的趋势,当掺杂浓度约为0.90%时达到最大值,而位于1470 nm处的荧光强度则呈现了相反的趋势. Tm³⁺：³F₄能级的荧光衰减寿命随着掺杂浓度的增加不断减小. 1800 nm处的这种荧光强度变化归结于Tm³⁺离子间的交叉驰豫效应（³H₆,³H₄→³F₄,³F₄）和自身的浓度猝灭效应. 同时计算得到了浓度为0.90%的样品在1890 nm处的最大发射截面为0.392×10^-20 cm². 并且根据Judd-Ofelt 理论所得寿命和测定的荧光寿命计算得到了³F₄→³H₆的最大量子效率约为120%.     

Lanthanide-doped LiYF4 nanoparticles: Synthesis and multicolor upconversion tuning

We report the synthesis of tetragonal-phase LiYF₄ nanoparticles doped with upconverting lanthanide ions. The nanoparticles have been characterized by XRD, TEM, and luminescence decay studies. The size of the as-synthesized LiYF₄ nanoparticles can be tuned by varying the precursor ratio of F to lanthanide ions. Passivated by oleic acid ligands, the LiYF₄ nanoparticles can be readily dispersed in a wide range of nonpolar solvents including hexane, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, and toluene. The lanthanide-doped (Yb³⁺, Er³⁺, Tm³⁺, Ho³⁺) LiYF₄ nanoparticles show intense upconversion emissions upon near infrared excitation at 980 nm. By varying composition and concentration of the dopant ions, the color output can be precisely modulated under single wavelength excitation with a diode laser.     

Gd2O3:Yb3+,Nd3+,Tm3+/SiO2/Ag纳米复合材料的合成及上转换发光性质

通过多步骤的化学法合成了Gd₂O₃：Yb³⁺,Nd³⁺,Tm³⁺/SiO₂/Ag纳米复合材料。利用XRD,TEM,EDS,XPS,CLSM等方法对样品进行表征。实验结果表明,具有低声子能、稳定的化学性质的Gd₂O₃作为上转换发光的基质,当掺杂的敏化剂Nd³⁺离子浓度为1.0%（n/n）,激活剂离子Tm³⁺浓度为0.5%（n/n）时,上转换发光强度达到最大值。此外,表面吸附的Ag纳米颗粒,由于表面等离激元共振耦合作用,使得上转换发光蓝光波段的强度增强1.70倍。     

Designing Upconversion Nanocrystals Capable of 745 nm Sensitization and 803 nm Emission for Deep‐Tissue Imaging

A crystal design strategy is described that generates hexagonal‐phased NaYF₄:Nd/Yb@NaYF₄:Yb/Tm luminescent nanocrystals with the ability to emit light at 803 nm when illuminated at 745 nm. This is accomplished by taking advantage of the large absorption cross‐section of Nd³⁺ between 720 and 760 nm plus efficient spatial energy transfer and migration through Nd³⁺→Yb³⁺→Yb³⁺→Tm³⁺. Mechanistic investigations suggest that a cascaded two‐photon energy transfer upconversion process underlies the emission mechanism. This protocol enables deep‐tissue imaging to be achieved while mitigating the attenuation effect associated with the visible emission and the overheating constraint imposed by conventional 980 nm excitation.     

Solvent directed morphologies and enhanced luminescent properties of BaWO4:Tm3+,Dy3+ for white light emitting diodes

A series of Tm³⁺ and Dy³⁺ codoped BaWO₄ phosphors with tunable shapes were controllably synthesized by a facile solvothermal method. The effects of ratio of ethylene glycol (EG) and water on the morphologies of BaWO₄ structures are systematically studied. It was discovered that the reason for these morphological changes is based on the reaction speed of the kinetic control, which relates to the strong chelating abilities of ethylene glycol. And when the solvent is pure ethylene glycol, the peanut-like BaWO₄:Dy³⁺ has the strongest emission intensity. Moreover, the emission color of the phosphors varied from blue (0.232, 0.180) to white (0.268, 0.250) by controlling Dy³⁺ ions content with a fixed Tm³⁺ concentration. The energy transfer mechanism was investigated in detail. With increasing the doped concentration of Dy³⁺ ions, the energy transfer efficiency of BaWO₄:0.005Tm³⁺,yDy³⁺ increased gradually and reached as high as 63% when the Dy³⁺ doped concentration is 0.03. The critical distance R_C calculated by the spectral overlap method is about 19.93 Å, and it is in good agreement with that obtained using the concentration quenching method (19.70 Å), indicating that the electric dipole-dipole interaction is the main energy transfer mechanism for BaWO₄:Tm³⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphors.     

Synthesis and characterization of nanoporous NaYF4:Yb3+, Tm3+@SiO2 nanocomposites

Novel upconversion nanocomposites with nanoporous structure were presented in this paper. Silica-coated cubic NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ nanoparticles were first prepared. After annealing, monodisperse cubic/hexagonal mixed phases NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticles were obtained, and the NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ cores became nanoporous. To the best of our knowledge, the nanoporous structure in NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺@SiO₂ nanocomposites was observed for the first time. They demonstrate increased upconversion emission compared with unannealed dense NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ nanoparticles due to the appearance of the hexagonal NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺. The silica shell not only makes the nanocomposites possess bio-affinity but also protects the NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ cores from aggregating and growing up. Thus the upconversion, nanoporous and bio-affinity properties were combined into one single nanoparticle. The nanocomposites have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), small angle X-ray diffraction (SAXRD) and emission spectroscopy. These multifunctional nanocomposites are expected to find applications in biological fields, such as biolabels, drug storage and delivery.     

Luminescent properties of SrBPO5:Dy3+ and effect of Co-doping with Tm3+

A series of phosphors SrBPO₅:Dy³⁺ and SrBPO₅:Dy³⁺,Tm³⁺ was synthesized by traditional solid-state high-temperature method and was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fluorescence spectrophotometry. For SrBPO₅:Dy³⁺ material, the f-f transitions of Dy³⁺ ions were assigned and discussed, and the optimal doping concentration of Dy³⁺ was found. As a result of co-doping SrBPO₅:Dy³⁺ with Tm³⁺, the phosphors SrBPO₅:Dy³⁺,Tm³⁺ can be effectively excited by 360 nm ultraviolet (UV), and exhibit color-tunable emission from blue to yellowish-white region with different doping concentration. The present study can pave the way for the creation of efficient UV phosphors using Dy³⁺,Tm³⁺ co-doped systems for near-UV InGaN-based light emitting diodes (LEDs).     

Room Temperature Visible/Infrared Emission and Energy Transfer in Nd3+-Based Organic/Inorganic Hybrids

The photoluminescence features and the energy transfer processes of Nd³⁺-based siloxane-poly(oxyethylene) hybrids are reported. The host matrix of these materials, classed as di-ureasils, is formed by a siloxane backbone covalently bonded to polyether chains of two molecular weights by means of urea cross-links. The room-temperature photoluminescence spectra of these xerogels show a wide broad purple-blue-green band (350–570 nm), associated with the emitting centres of the di-ureasil host, and the typical near infrared emission of Nd³⁺ (700–1400 nm), assigned to the ⁴F_3/2 ⁴I_{9/2,11/2,13/2} transitions. Self-absorptions in the visible range, resonant with intra-4f³ transitions, indicate the existence of an energy conversion mechanism of visible di-ureasil emission into near infrared Nd³⁺ luminescence. The existence of energy transfer between the di-ureasil's emitting centres and the Nd³⁺ ions is demonstrated calculating the lifetimes of these emitting centres. The efficiency of that energy transfer changes both with the polymer molecular weight and the Nd³⁺ concentration.     

Confining Excitation Energy in Er3+-Sensitized Upconversion Nanocrystals through Tm3+-Mediated Transient Energy Trapping

A new class of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles are presented that are without Yb³⁺ or Nd³⁺ sensitizers in the host lattice. In erbium-enriched core–shell NaErF₄:Tm (0.5 mol %)@NaYF₄ nanoparticles, a high degree of energy migration between Er³⁺ ions occurs to suppress the effect of concentration quenching upon surface coating. Unlike the conventional Yb³⁺-Er³⁺ system, the Er³⁺ ion can serve as both the sensitizer and activator to enable an effective upconversion process. Importantly, an appropriate doping of Tm³⁺ has been demonstrated to further enhance upconversion luminescence through energy trapping. This endows the resultant nanoparticles with bright red (about 700-fold enhancement) and near-infrared luminescence that is achievable under multiple excitation wavelengths. This is a fundamental new pathway to mitigate the concentration quenching effect, thus offering a convenient method for red-emitting upconversion nanoprobes for biological applications.     

Photon avalanche upconversion in LiKYF5 crystals doubly doped with Tm3+ and Er3+

For the first time red-to-blue photon avalanche upconversion has been discovered and investigated in LiKYF₅ crystals doubly doped with Tm³⁺ and Er³⁺ under laser excitation at the liquid nitrogen temperature. On the basis of the optical studies, an original model of the luminescent mechanisms, within which the Er³⁺ ions act as both donor and acceptor, and as a result sensitize the photon avalanche effect in Tm³⁺ by converting the optical excitation energy in its diffusion among the Tm³⁺ ions, is presented. It is assumed that all these mechanisms can be realized when the Er³⁺ concentration in crystals is relatively low in order to avoid direct interactions between the Er³⁺ ions.     

Nd3+ and Yb3+ germanate and tellurite glasses for fluorescent solar energy collectors

The features of fluorescent glass solar collectors are discussed. Combination of Nd³⁺ and Yb³⁺ in high refractive index glasses is suggested as concentration material. Energy absorbed by Nd³⁺ is transferred with high efficiency to Yb³⁺ emitting at 970 nm. The self-absorption of Nd³⁺ is eliminated and long-wavelength emission at 1.06 μm decreased as a result of energy transfer.     

Calculation of ligand-field and Stark sub-levels in laser crystals Nd~(3+):KY(WO_4)_2 and Nd~(3+):KGd(WO_4)_2

The parameters of ligand field of laser crystal Na~(3+):KY(WO_4)_2 and Nd~(3+):KGd(WO_4)_2are obtained by a scheme which involved intermediate coupling and ligand field interaction.Thecalculated Stark-levels are in good agreement with the experimental values.     

Spectral migration of excitation energy among Nd3+ ions in fluoroarsenate glasses

In this work, we have investigated the existence of energy transfer among Nd³⁺ ions in fluoroarsenate glasses of the Na₄As₂O₇, BaF₂, YF₃ system with different Nd³⁺ concentrations (0.5, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mol%) by using time-resolved fluorescence line narrowing spectroscopy. The spectral features of the time resolved fluorescence line narrowing ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_9/2 emission spectra obtained under resonant excitation reveal the existence of spectral migration of excitation among the Nd³⁺ ions. The analysis of the time evolution of the ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_9/2 narrowed emission shows that the electronic mechanism responsible for the ion–ion interaction can be identified as a dipole–dipole energy transfer process.     

Confining Excitation Energy in Er3+‐Sensitized Upconversion Nanocrystals through Tm3+‐Mediated Transient Energy Trapping

A new class of lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles are presented that are without Yb³⁺ or Nd³⁺ sensitizers in the host lattice. In erbium‐enriched core–shell NaErF₄:Tm (0.5 mol %)@NaYF₄ nanoparticles, a high degree of energy migration between Er³⁺ ions occurs to suppress the effect of concentration quenching upon surface coating. Unlike the conventional Yb³⁺‐Er³⁺ system, the Er³⁺ ion can serve as both the sensitizer and activator to enable an effective upconversion process. Importantly, an appropriate doping of Tm³⁺ has been demonstrated to further enhance upconversion luminescence through energy trapping. This endows the resultant nanoparticles with bright red (about 700‐fold enhancement) and near‐infrared luminescence that is achievable under multiple excitation wavelengths. This is a fundamental new pathway to mitigate the concentration quenching effect, thus offering a convenient method for red‐emitting upconversion nanoprobes for biological applications.     

Er3+-Tm3+-Yb3+ tri-doped CaMoO4 upconverting phosphors in optical devices applications

The structural and optical properties of the Er³⁺-Tm³⁺-Yb³⁺codoped CaMoO₄ phosphors prepared by chemical route have been explored. The crystalline structures of the prepared phosphors have been investigated with the help of X-ray diffraction analysis. The presence of different vibrational modes and absorption bands arising due to the transitions from the ground state to different excited states of rare earth ions have been identified using the Raman and UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectra of the developed phosphor, respectively. The concentration quenching effect on the luminescence property of the prepared materials has been explained in detail. The upconversion luminescence property of the Er³⁺-Tm³⁺-Yb³⁺codoped CaMoO₄ phosphor annealed at different temperatures under 980 nm and 808 nm excitations have been reported. The energy transfer Er³⁺ → Tm³⁺, Yb³⁺ → Er³⁺ and Tm³⁺ has been found to be responsible for efficient UC emission. The dipole-dipole interaction is observed to be responsible for the concentration quenching of the luminescence intensity. The effect of annealing temperature on the upconversion luminescence property has been explained in detail. The results suggest that the developed tri-doped phosphor may be suitable in making the efficient NIR to visible upconverter and lighting based optical devices.     

Strong Single‐Band Blue Emission from Colloidal Ce3+/Tm3+‐Doped NaYF4 Nanocrystals for Light‐Emitting Applications

An intense single‐band blue emission at λ=450 nm is observed from Tm³⁺ ions through Ce³⁺ sensitization, for the first time, in colloidal Ce³⁺/Tm³⁺‐doped NaYF₄ nanocrystals. The intense Tm³⁺ emission through broad‐band excitation is advantageous for developing luminescent nanocomposites because they can be easily incorporated into polymers. The composites can easily be coated over UV light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) to develop phosphor‐based blue LEDs.     

Concentration dependence of spectroscopic properties and energy transfer analysis in Nd3+ doped bismuth silicate glasses

A detailed investigation on 1.06 μm spectroscopic properties as a function of Nd³⁺ ions concentration in bismuth silicate glasses is reported. Judd–Ofelt analysis indicated that Nd₂O₃ has no substantial influence on glass structure. Based on the Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters, several radiative properties such as radiative transition probability, radiative lifetime, branching ratio and emission cross-section of Nd³⁺ ions have been derived. The 1.06 μm emission intensity increases firstly and then attains maximum at 0.5 mol% Nd₂O₃ and decreases with further increase of dopant concentration. The luminescence quenching behavior at higher Nd³⁺ concentration has been ascribed to the hopping migration assisted cross relaxation mechanism. The high emission cross section (2.33 × 10⁻²⁰ cm²) and large quantum efficiency (90.7%) suggests their potential for compact 1.06 μm lasers applications.     

Energy transfer between Bi3+ and Nd3+ in germanate glass

Energy transfer from Bi³⁺ to Nd³⁺ is reported in germanate glass. It was found that the excitation range and intensities of the ⁴F_{$\text{3}\text{2}$} → ⁴I_{$\text{9}\text{2}$}, ⁴I_{$\text{11}\text{2}$} emissions are increased several fold when excited through ¹S₀ → ³P₁ absorption of Bi³⁺. It is shown that the energy transfer is nonradiative. The energy transfer probability and efficiency were calculated from the Bi³⁺ fluorescence decay rates and intensities. The Bi³⁺ → Nd³⁺ energy transfer may be utilized in Nd³⁺ glass laser.     

A "turn-off" luminescence resonance energy transfer aptamer sensor based on near-infrared upconverting NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanoparticles as donors and gold nanorods as acceptors

Near-infrared upconverting NaYF₄:Yb^3*,Tm^3* nanophosphors modified with poly（acrylic acid） were prepared and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and luminescence spectroscopy.Based on the observed overlap between the emission spectrum of the NaYF₄:Yb^3*,Tm^3* nanophosphors and the absorption spectrum of the gold nanorods,we believe that a new "turn-off luminescence resonance energy transfer aptamer sensor was constructed for sensing thrombin in near-infrared region.