Enhanced ultraviolet up-conversion emissions of Tm/Yb codoped YF3 nanocrystals

Tm³⁺/Yb³⁺ codoped rod-like YF₃ nanocrystals were synthesized through a facile hydrothermal method. After annealing in an argon atmosphere, the nanocrystals emitted bright blue and intense ultraviolet (UV) light under a 980-nm continuous wave diode laser excitation. Up-conversion emissions centered at ∼291 nm (¹I₆ → ³H₆), ∼347 nm (¹I₆ → ³F₄), ∼362 nm (¹D₂ → ³H₆), ∼452 nm (¹D₂ → ³F₄), ∼476 nm (¹G₄ → ³H₆), ∼642 nm (¹G₄ → ³F₄), and ∼805 nm (³H₄ → ³H₆) were recorded using a fluorescence spectrophotometer. Especially, enhanced UV emissions were studied by changing Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ doping concentrations, the annealing temperatures, and the excitation power densities. A possible mechanism, energy transfer-cross relaxation-energy transfer (ET-CR-ET), was proposed based on a simple rate-equation model to elucidate the process of the enhanced UV emissions.     

Optical transitions of Er3+/Yb3+ codoped TeO2-WO3-Bi2O3 glass

Optical absorption and emission properties of the Er3+/Yb3+ codoped TeO2-WO3-Bi2O3 (TWB) glass has been investigated. The transition probabilities, excited state lifetimes, and the branching ratios have been predicted for Er3+ based on the Judd-Ofelt theory. The broad 1.5 microm fluorescence was observed under 970 nm excitation, and its full width at half maximum (FWHM) is 77 nm. The emission cross-section is calculated using the McCumber theory, and the peak emission cross-section is 1.03 x 10(-21) cm2 at 1.531 microm. This value is much larger than those of the silicate and phosphate glasses. Efficient green and weak red upconversion luminescence from Er3+ centers in the glass sample was observed at room temperature, and the upconversion excitation processes have been analyzed.     

Luminescent properties of Tb3+ and Gd3+ ions doped aluminosilicate oxyfluoride glasses

Tb³⁺ and Gd³⁺ ions doped lithium–barium–aluminosilicate oxyfluoride glasses have been prepared. The transmission, emission and excitation spectra were measured. It has been found that those Tb³⁺-doped lithium–barium–aluminosilicate oxyfluoride glasses exhibit good UV-excited luminescence. The luminescence intensity of Tb³⁺ ion increases for those (Tb³⁺, Gd³⁺)-codoped glasses. Energy transfer process from Gd³⁺ ion to Tb³⁺ ion is indicated.     

Preparation and characterization of low-amount Yb3+-doped TiO2 photocatalyst

The nanoparticles of Yb³⁺-doped (0.125 wt.%) and pure TiO₂ were prepared by an acid-catalyzed sol-gel method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and surface photovoltage spectroscopy; the specific surface of the samples was measured using the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in aqueous solution was used as a probe reaction to estimate the photocatalytic activity of the prepared nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activity of Yb³⁺/TiO₂ composite nanoparticles is much higher than that of pure TiO₂. A low amount of Yb³⁺ in TiO₂ can inhibit the anatase-rutile phase transformation of TiO₂, prevent grain growth increasing the specific surface area, and favor the high-temperature stabilization of the pores. According to the surface voltage spectroscopy data, Tb³⁺-doping prevents recombination of photoinduced electrons and holes and improves the light absorption capacity of the particle surface. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 10, pp. 1680–1685, October, 2006.     

Anti-Stokes Yb3+ emission--valuable structure information in spectra of rare earth compounds measured with FT-Raman spectrometers

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful and simple method which proved to be very useful in studies of solids. The most widely used Raman spectrometers are FT-Raman instruments with YAG:Nd(3+) laser as an excitation source. However, in the case of samples containing rare earth elements, the quality of FT-Raman spectra is often low due to strong fluorescence effects. We show that, in such cases, anti-Stokes part of the Raman spectra often contains strong, well resolved bands identified as multiphonon-assisted emission bands of Yb(3+) present as an impurity. We show on several examples that analysis of these bands may provide useful structure information, similar to that obtained by "Eu structure probe" method in optical spectroscopy. The Yb(3+) emission can be also measured using standard luminescence detection systems. However, the application of FT-Raman system allows one to obtain good quality spectra in a much cheaper, easier and faster way (in times as short as a few seconds). Moreover, high-sensitivity of FT-Raman spectrometers allows to detect even very small amounts of Yb(3+) impurity.     

Yb3+/Tm3+共掺杂的钨酸镉纳米晶发光性能的研究

本文采用水热法制备了稀土离子Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺共掺杂的钨酸镉纳米晶。运用X-射线粉末衍射、场发射环境扫描电子显微镜和光谱分析对制备的样品的结构和发光性能进行了表征。根据XRD图谱可知, 钨酸镉为单斜晶系, 晶粒平均尺寸在28 nm左右。从ESEM图片可明显看出, 钨酸镉呈纳米棒结构, 直径在30 nm左右, 长径比在5~8之间。利用980 nm半导体激光器激发钨酸镉纳米晶得到样品的发射光谱, 存在一个较强的蓝光发射, 发光峰位于481 nm,对应于Tm³⁺的¹G₄→³H₆能级的跃迁, 分析了Tm³⁺/Yb³⁺离子共掺体系的发光机制。讨论了发光强度随稀土离子浓度的变化, 当Tm³⁺离子的掺杂浓度在2%, Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺物质的量浓度比为10:1时钨酸镉纳米晶的发光强度最强。根据泵浦功率与发光强度之间的关系, 可知处于481 nm的蓝光发射属于三光子过程, 由发光强度与掺杂浓度之间的双对数衰减曲线可知, 引起蓝光发射源于Tm³⁺的电偶极跃迁。     

Yb3+/Tm3+共掺杂的钨酸镉纳米晶发光性能的研究

本文采用水热法制备了稀土离子Yb3+/Tm3+共掺杂的钨酸镉纳米晶。运用X-射线粉末衍射、场发射环境扫描电子显微镜和光谱分析对制备的样品的结构和发光性能进行了表征。根据XRD图谱可知,钨酸镉为单斜晶系,晶粒平均尺寸在28 nm左右。从ESEM图片可明显看出,钨酸镉呈纳米棒结构,直径在30 nm左右,长径比在5~8之间。利用980 nm半导体激光器激发钨酸镉纳米晶得到样品的发射光谱,存在一个较强的蓝光发射,发光峰位于481 nm,对应于Tm3+的1G4→3H6能级的跃迁,分析了Tm3+/Yb3+离子共掺体系的发光机制。讨论了发光强度随稀土离子浓度的变化,当Tm3+离子的掺杂浓度在2mol%,Yb3+/Tm3+物质的量浓度比cTm3+/cYb3+=10时钨酸镉纳米晶的发光强度最强。根据泵浦功率与发光强度之间的关系,可知处于481 nm的蓝光发射属于三光子过程,由发光强度与掺杂浓度之间的双对数衰减曲线可知,引起蓝光发射源于Tm3+的电偶极跃迁。     

Microwave synthesis and photoluminescent properties of Sr2CeO4/Ln3+ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm)

Sr₂CeO₄/Ln³⁺ (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm) phosphors were synthesized with the microwave radiation method for the first time. The luminescent properties of the samples were investigated and the up-conversion luminescence of Er³⁺, Ho³⁺ and Tm³⁺ doped Sr₂CeO₄ phosphors was observed. The spectra indicate that the energy transfer takes place from the triplet excited state of MLCT (metal-to-ligand charge transfer) state for Sr₂CeO₄ (sensitizer) to the rare earth ions (activator). __________ Translated from Journal of Hebei Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 2007, 31(2): 212–216 [译自: 河北师范大学学报 (自然科学版)]     

La2O3对Yb3+掺杂的氧化钇透明激光陶瓷性能的影响

本文研究了La2O3的含量对(Yb0.05 Y0.95)2O3透明激光陶瓷的结构性能和烧结性能的影响.结果表明:随着La2O3含量的增加,拉曼光谱特征峰发生红移,声子能量降低,半高宽增大,相对强度先增大后减小;同时密度、相对密度和透过率都增大,陶瓷的晶粒减小,而当La2O3含量继续增加时,晶粒基本保持不变.但适量的La2O3掺杂量对(Yb0.05Y0.95)2O3透明激光陶瓷的发射性能影响不大.最合适的La2O3添加量为10at%,最合适的烧结温度为1700℃,最后样品的直线透过率可达到75%.     

Upconversion Luminescence Properties of a LiNb0.3Ta0.7O3:Er3+,Yb3+ Ceramic

A co-doped LiNb_0.3Ta_0.7O₃:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ ceramic was prepared by a high temperature solid state procedure. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser radiation, intense 660 nm red light and 550 nm green light emissions corresponding to the ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and ²H_11/2/⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺ were observed. The change of Yb³⁺ concentration has a more significant influence on luminous intensity than the Er³⁺ concentration. The emission of red and green lights is attributed to a two-photon process. The upconversion luminescence mechanisms were analyzed in detail.     

Two color up-conversion emissions of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanopowders prepared by non-aqueous sol-gel method

Er³⁺-doped Al₂O₃ nanopowders have been prepared by the non-aqueous sol-gel method using the aluminum isopropoxide as precursor, acetylacetone as a chelating agent, nitric acid as a catalyzer, and hydrated erbium nitrate as a dopant under isopropanol environment. The different phase structure, including three crystalline types of (Al, Er)₂O₃ phases, α, γ, θ, and an Er–Al–O stoichiometric compound phase, Al₁₀Er₆O₂₄, was observed for the 0.01–0.5 mol% Er³⁺-doped Al₂O₃ nanopowders at the sintering temperature of 1,000 °C. The green and red up-conversion emissions centered at about 523, 545 and 660 nm, corresponding respectively to the ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, were detected by a 978 nm semiconductor laser diodes excitation. With increasing Er³⁺ doping concentration from 0.01 to 0.1 mol%, the intensity of the green and red emissions increased with a decrease of the intensity ratio of the green to red emission. When the Er³⁺ doping concentration rose to 5 mol%, the intensity of the green and red emissions decreased with an increase of their intensity ratio. The maximum intensity of both the green and red emissions with the minimum of intensity ratio was obtained, respectively, for the 0.1 mol% Er³⁺-doped Al₂O₃ nanopowders composed of a single α-(Al,Er)₂O₃ phase. The intensity ratio of the green emission at 523 and 545 nm increased monotonously for all Er³⁺ doping concentrations. The two-photon absorption up-conversion process was involved in the green and red up-conversion emissions of the Er³⁺-doped Al₂O₃ nanopowders.     

Er3+-Yb3+掺杂SiO2-SrO-NaF玻璃陶瓷的制备及表征

采用熔融晶化法制备了主晶相为SrF₂的Er³⁺-Yb³⁺共掺透明氟氧化物玻璃陶瓷,利用DSC、XRD、SEM、UV-Vis-NIR和荧光光谱对样品的结构、形貌、发光性能进行了测试与表征。研究表明：该体系玻璃最佳热处理温度为620℃,最佳热处理时间为2 h,并讨论了Yb³⁺不同掺杂浓度对Er³⁺-Yb³⁺共掺玻璃陶瓷样品上转换发光性能的影响,确定Er³⁺-Yb³⁺最佳掺杂浓度比为1：7,同时观察到了明亮的绿光（522,540 nm）和较弱的红光（656 nm）,对Er³⁺和Yb³⁺之间的能量传递过程进行了讨论。     

Ho3+/Yb3+共掺ZnO-Al2O3-GeO2-SiO2玻璃陶瓷的制备和上转换发光性质

综合ZnO-Al₂O₃-SiO₂系和锗酸盐玻璃陶瓷的优点,采用熔融-晶化法首次制备了Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺共掺以ZnAl₂O₄为主晶相的ZnO-Al₂O₃-GeO₂-SiO₂系玻璃陶瓷。因[GeO₄]四面体和[SiO₄]四面体都是玻璃网络形成体,讨论了GeO₂取代SiO₂对玻璃陶瓷样品硬度及发光性能的影响,最终确定GeO₂的取代量为10.55%（w/w）时,玻璃陶瓷综合性能最佳。在980 nm泵浦光的激发下,发现强的绿色（546 nm）和弱的红色（650 nm）上转换发光,并研究了不同Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺掺杂比对样品上转换发光的影响,最终结果表明当Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺掺杂比为1：11（n/n）时样品荧光强度最强,在绿色上转换发光材料方面具有潜在的应用。     

Polyol-mediated solvothermal synthesis and luminescence properties of CeF3, and CeF3:Tb nanocrystals

CeF₃ and CeF₃:Tb³⁺ nanocrystals were successfully synthesized through a facile and effective polyol-mediated route with ethylene glycol (EG) as solvent. Various experimental techniques including X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as decay dynamics were used to characterize the samples. The results indicated that the content of NH₄F and reactant concentrations were key factors in the product shape and size. Excessive NH₄F was necessary for the formation of hexagonal nanoplates. The specific morphology of product can be controlled by changing the NH₄F content and reactant concentrations. In addition, Tb³⁺ doped-CeF₃ sample shows strong green emission centered at 544 nm corresponding to the ⁵D₄-⁷F₅ transition of Tb³⁺. Due to the decrease of nonradiative decay rate, the lifetime of ⁵D₄ level of Tb³⁺ become longer gradually upon increasing the size of product.     

Investigations of EPR parameters for the trigonal Ti3+-Ti3+ pair in beryl crystal

By using the complete diagonalization of energy matrix of 3d1 ions in trigonal symmetry, the EPR parameters (g factors g( parallel), g( perpendicular) and zero-field splitting D) of the trigonal Ti3+-Ti3+ pair in beryl crystal are calculated. In the calculations, the exchange interaction in the Ti3+-Ti3+ pair is taken as the perturbation and the local trigonal distortion in the defect center is considered. The results (which are in agreement with the experimental values) are discussed.     

Synthesis,characterization, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of upconversion luminescence NaLuF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles suitable for medical applications

Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro toxicity evaluation of upconversion luminescence NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ nanoparticles (UCLNPs) are reported in the current study. Initially, the synthesized lanthanide trifluoroacetate (Ln(OOCCF₃)₃) precursor was used to fabricate NaLuF₄ nanoparticles doped with Yb³⁺ and Tm³⁺ metal ions. The nanoparticles were coated with calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) after removing the hydrophobic species on them to enhance their biocompatibility. The in vitro methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide (MTT) test was used to evaluate the toxicity of synthesized NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ nanoparticles (NLF-5) on L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines. The transmission electron microscopy image showed that the particle size of NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ was 32 nm. The synthesized NLF-5 nanoparticles have both α-cubic and β-hexagonal crystalline structures that provided a superb near-infrared-to-near-infrared upconversion luminescence signal when excited at 980 nm. MTT test results show that the death of L929 fibroblast cells was observed only at concentrations above 250 μg/mL of NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ nanoparticles. In addition, with an increase in patrol time of 24, 48, and 72 hr, cell toxicity increased significantly, while the coated nanoparticles did not have any toxic effects. The synthesized nanoparticles could be used as a suitable material for medical applications due to their small particle size, high photoluminescence emission intensity, and low toxicity.     

Size-dependent upconversion luminescence in YF3:Yb/Tm nanobundles

The upconversion luminescent properties of YF₃:Yb³⁺(20%)/Tm³⁺(1%) nanobundles with different sizes (240-500 nm in length) were studied under 980-nm excitation. Ultraviolet (¹I₆ → ³F₄/³H₆ and ¹D₂ → ³H₆), blue (¹D₂ → ³F₄ and ¹G₄ → ³H₆), red (¹D₂ → ³H₄, ¹G₄ → ³F₄, and ³F₃ → ³H₆), and near infrared (³H₄ → ³H₆) emissions were observed. The results indicated that the relative intensity of the ultraviolet to the blue as well as the blue to the near infrared increased with decreasing the size of nanobundles. Especially, the position of the dominant red emission peak varied with the size of nanobundles. As the length of nanobundles increased to 500 nm, unusual ³F₃ → ³H₆ transition was observed, which was theoretically explained considering the decrease of the nonradiative transition rate of ³F₃ → ³H₄.     

Optimization of Sintering Conditions to Enhance the Dielectric Performance of Gd3+ and Ho3+ Codoped BaTiO3 Ceramics

BaTiO₃ dielectric capacitors, one of the important energy storage devices, play critical roles in storing electricity from renewable energies of water, wind, solar, etc. The synthesis of BaTiO₃ ceramics with weak temperature dependence and a high dielectric constant at room temperature (ε_RT′) is an urgent problem to meet the miniaturization and large capacity of dielectric capacitors. Doping rare earth elements into BaTiO₃ can solve this problem, but it is still challenging. In this work, we adopt a synergistic strategy of increasing ε_RT′ and improving the temperature stability by codoping Gd³⁺ and Ho³⁺, respectively, to address this challenge. By carefully adjusting the synthesis conditions in the solid-state reaction, codoping 7% Gd³⁺ and 7% Ho³⁺ in BaTiO₃ (BGTH7) ceramics were synthesized. The temperature-dependent dielectric constant reveals that the obtained optimal BGTH7 ceramic satisfies the X7U specification and displays a stable ε′ in the temperature range of −55~125 °C. The optimal BGTH7 ceramic after sintering at 1400 °C for 6 h exhibits a high dielectric constant of 5475 and low dielectric loss (tan δ) of 0.0176, hitherto exhibiting the best performance in X7U ceramics. The findings in this work are conducive to the miniaturization and stabilization of dielectric energy storage devices.     

Modulating the Inclusive and Coordinating Ability of Thiacalix[4]arene and Its Antenna Effect on Yb3+-Luminescence via Upper-Rim Substitution

The present work introduces the series of thiacalix[4]arenes (H₄L) bearing different upper-rim substituents (R = H, Br, NO₂) for rational design of ligands providing an antenna-effect on the NIR Yb³⁺-centered luminescence of their Yb³⁺ complexes. The unusual inclusive self-assembly of H₃L⁻ (Br) through Br…π interactions is revealed through single-crystal XRD analysis. Thermodynamically favorable formation of dimeric complexes [2Yb³⁺:2HL³⁻] leads to efficient sensitizing of the Yb³⁺ luminescence for H₄L (Br, NO₂), while poor sensitizing is observed for ligand H₄L (H). X-ray analysis of the single crystal separated from the basified DMF solutions of YbCl₃ and H₄L(NO₂) has revealed the transformation of the dimeric complexes into [4Yb³⁺:2L⁴⁻] ones with a cubane-like cluster structure. The luminescence characteristics of the complexes in the solutions reveal the peculiar antenna effect of H₄L(R = NO₂), where the triplet level at 567 nm (17,637 cm⁻¹) arisen from ILCT provides efficient sensitizing of the Yb³⁺ luminescence.     

Safranal Induces Vasorelaxation by Inhibiting Ca2+ Influx and Na+/Ca2+ Exchanger in Isolated Rat Aortic Rings

Introduction: Safranal, which endows saffron its unique aroma, causes vasodilatation and has a hypotensive effect in animal studies, but the mechanisms of these effects are unknown. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of safranal vasodilation. Methods: Isolated rat endothelium-intact or -denuded aortic rings were precontracted with phenylephrine and then relaxed with safranal. To further assess the involvement of nitric oxide, prostaglandins, guanylate cyclase, and phospholipase A₂ in safranal-induced vasodilation, aortic rings were preincubated with L-NAME, indomethacin, methylene blue, or quinacrine, respectively, then precontracted with phenylephrine, and safranal concentration–response curves were established. To explore the effects of safranal on Ca²⁺ influx, phenylephrine and CaCl₂ concentration–response curves were established in the presence of safranal. Furthermore, the effect of safranal on aortic rings in the presence of ouabain, a Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase inhibitor, was studied to explore the contribution of Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger to this vasodilation. Results: Safranal caused vasodilation in endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings. The vasodilation was not eliminated by pretreatment with L-NAME, indomethacin, methylene blue, or quinacrine, indicating the lack of a role for NO/cGMP. Safranal significantly inhibited the maximum contractions induced by phenylephrine, or by CaCl₂ in Ca²⁺-free depolarizing buffer. Safranal also relaxed contractions induced by ouabain, but pretreatment with safranal totally abolished the development of ouabain contractions. Discussion/Conclusion: Inhibition of Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase by ouabain leads to the accumulation of Na⁺ intracellularly, forcing the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger to work in reverse mode, thus causing a contraction. Inhibition of the development of this contraction by preincubation with safranal indicates that safranal inhibited the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger. We conclude that safranal vasodilation is mediated by the inhibition of calcium influx from extracellular space through L-type Ca²⁺ channels and by the inhibition of the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger.