Infrared-to-visible frequency upconversion in SrAl2O4 powders containing Er3+ and Yb3+

The phenomenon of frequency upconversion (UC) is observed in Er³⁺:Yb³⁺:SrAl₂O₄ powders prepared by combustion synthesis. Strong UC emission at the green (bands peaked at 521, 538, 547, and 562 nm) and weak UC emission at the red (bands peaked at 659 and 682 nm) corresponding to 4f–4f transitions of Er³⁺ were observed when the samples were irradiated with near-infrared laser excitation at ～980 nm. Saturation of UC emission is observed for concentrations of 1.5 wt.% of Er³⁺ and 1.5 wt.% of Yb³⁺. The green-to-red intensity ratio, on the other hand, increases linearly with Er³⁺ concentration (Er³⁺ concentration varying from 0.5 to 1.5 wt.%) while keeping Yb³⁺ concentration fixed (at 1.5 wt.%). The green UC decay time was measured and Er³⁺–Er³⁺ interaction was suggested as a possible mechanism to explain the luminescence quenching effect observed.