The effect of Y co-doping on the persistent up-conversion luminescence of the ZrO2:Yb,Er nanomaterials

The effect of the defects due to the charge compensation obtained with the yttrium co-doping to the ZrO₂:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ up-converting phosphors was studied. The materials were prepared with the combustion method. The materials purity was analyzed with the FT-IR spectroscopy. The crystal structure was studied with the X-ray powder diffraction and the crystallite sizes were estimated with the Scherrer formula. Up-conversion luminescence was excited at room temperature with an IR-laser at 970 nm. The up-conversion luminescence spectra showed red (650-685 nm) and green emission (520-560 nm) due to the ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and (²H_11/2,⁴S_3/2)→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, respectively. Persistent up-conversion luminescence was observed both in the Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ and Y³⁺,Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ doped materials.     

Crystalline-structure-dependent green and red upconversion emissions of Er-Yb-Li codoped TiO2

Crystalline structures and infrared-to-visible upconversion luminescence spectra have been investigated in 1 mol% Er³⁺, 10 mol% Yb³⁺ and 0-20 mol% Li⁺ codoped TiO₂ [1Er10Yb(0-20)Li:TiO₂] nanocrystals. The crystalline structures of 1Er10Yb(0-20)Li:TiO₂ were divided into three parts by the addition of Yb³⁺ and Li⁺. Both green and red upconversion emissions were observed from the ²H_11/2/⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺ in Er³⁺-Yb³⁺-Li⁺ codoped TiO₂, respectively. The green and red upconversion emissions of 1Er:TiO₂ were enhanced significantly by Yb³⁺ and Li⁺ codoping, in which the intensities of green and red emissions and the intensity ratio of green to red emissions (I_green/I_red) were highly dependent on the crystalline structures. The significant enhanced upconversion emissions resulted from the energy migration between Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ as well as the distortion of crystal field symmetry of Er³⁺ caused by the dissolving of Li⁺ at lower Li⁺ codoping concentration and the phase transformation at higher Li⁺ concentration. It is concluded that codoping with ions of smaller ionic radius like Li⁺ can efficiently improve the upconversion emissions of Er³⁺ or other rare-earth ions doped luminsecence materials.     

Spectroscopic investigations of Nd-, Er-, Er/Yb-, and Tm-ions doped SiO2-Al2O3-CaF2-GdF3 glasses

This paper reports on the absorption, visible and near-infrared luminescence properties of Nd³⁺, Er³⁺, Er³⁺/2Yb³⁺, and Tm³⁺ doped oxyfluoride aluminosilicate glasses. From the measured absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters (Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆) have been calculated for all the studied ions. Decay lifetime curves were measured for the visible emissions of Er³⁺ (558 nm, green), and Tm³⁺ (650 and 795 nm), respectively. The near infrared emission spectrum of Nd³⁺ doped glass has shown full width at half maximum (FWHM) around 45 nm (for the ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_9/2 transition), 45 nm (for the ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_11/2 transition), and 60 nm (for the ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_13/2 transition), respectively, with 800 nm laser diode (LD) excitation. For Er³⁺, and Er³⁺/2Yb³⁺ co-doped glasses, the characteristic near infrared emission bands were spectrally centered at 1532 and 1544 nm, respectively, with 980 nm laser diode excitation, exhibiting full width at half maximum around 50 and 90 nm for the erbium ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition. The measured maximum decay times of ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition (at wavelength 1532 and 1544 nm) are about 5.280 and 5.719 ms for 1Er³⁺ and 1Er³⁺/2Yb³⁺ (mol%) co-doped glasses, respectively. The maximum stimulated emission cross sections for ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺ and Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ are 10.81×10⁻²¹ and 5.723×10^-21 cm². These glasses with better thermal stability, bright visible emissions and broad near-infrared emissions should have potential applications in broadly tunable laser sources, interesting optical luminescent materials and broadband optical amplification at low-loss telecommunication windows.     

Er3+，Tm3+共掺的NaY(WO4)2晶体的光谱分析和上转换发光

在室温下，测量了Er:Tm:NaY(WO₄)₂晶体的吸收光谱、激发光谱、发射光谱以及上转换发光，并运用J-O理论对测量的结果进行了计算，得出了Er:Tm:NaY(WO₄)₂晶体的强度参数.报道了Tm，Er离子间特殊的能量传递和相关上转换，解释了离子间的能级跃迁过程.同时，对于Er增强Tm离子近红外发光的特性也作了充分研究. 关键词： 4)₂晶体')" href="#">Er:Tm:NaY(WO₄)₂晶体 吸收光谱 发射光谱 激发光谱 上转换     

Ultraviolet upconversion luminescence enhancement in Yb/Er-codoped Y2O3 nanocrystals induced by tridoping with Li ions

Ultraviolet (UV) upconversion (UC) luminescence in Yb³⁺/Er³⁺-codoped yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) nanocrystals can be enhanced by orders of magnitude via tridoping further with Li⁺ ions under diode laser excitation of 970 nm. Sensitized three-photon UC radiations at 390 and 409 nm, corresponding to the ⁴G_11/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴H_9/2→⁴I_15/2 of Er³⁺ ions, respectively, present an enhancement time of about 33 times, which is larger than the 24 times enhancement for the UC green radiation. The UV UC radiation at 320 nm that corresponds to the ²P_3/2→⁴I_15/2 of Er³⁺ ions has also been greatly enhanced. Theoretical calculations interpret that all the observed enhancement times of UV UC radiations arise from the prolonged lifetimes of their intermediate states.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of BaYF5:Yb/Er upconversion luminescence submicrospheres by a surfactant-free aqueous solution route

BaYF₅:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ upconversion (UC) luminescence submicrospheres have been synthesized by the hydrothermal synthesis method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), scanning probe microscope (SPM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), laser diffraction particle analyzer (LDPA) and UC emission spectra. The as-prepared highly crystalline BaYF₅:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ submicrospheres are of uniform size depending on different reaction temperatures and reaction times. It is found that the usage of fluoride source NaBF₄ plays the crucial key in the formation of submicrosphere. Under the 980 nm excitation, the UC emission transitions for ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 (red), ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 (green) in the BaYF₅:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ submicrospheres came from two-, two-, and two-photon UC processes, respectively. Further, the effects of Yb³⁺ ion concentration, size and surface of as-prepared submicrospheres, and pumping power on the UC luminescence properties of BaYF₅:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ have also been discussed.     

Influence of Yb concentration on upconversion luminescence of Ho

Upconversion (UC) emissions at 360 ((⁵F, ³F, ⁵G)₂ → ⁵I₈), 392 (³K₇/⁵G₄ → ⁵I₈), 428 (⁵G₅ → ⁵I₈), 554 (⁵S₂/⁵F₄ → ⁵I₈), 667 (⁵F₅ → ⁵I₈) and 754 (⁵S₂/⁵F₄ → ⁵I₇) nm were obtained in 0.1 mol% Ho³⁺/x mol% Yb³⁺:Y₂O₃ (x = 2, 5, 8, 11, 15) bulk ceramics under infrared (IR) excitation at 976 nm. The intensity of the UC luminescence centered at 554 and 754 nm increased with Yb³⁺ concentration from 2 to 5 mol% and decreased from 5 to 15 mol%, while the UC luminescence centered at 392, 428 and 667 nm increased with Yb³⁺ concentration from 2 to 11 mol%, then started to reduce with Yb³⁺ concentration until 15 mol%. This comes from the competition between the energy back transfer (EBT) process [⁵S₂/⁵F₄(Ho) + ²F_7/2(Yb) → ⁵I₆(Ho) + ²F_5/2(Yb) as well as ⁵F₅(Ho) + ²F_7/2(Yb) → ⁵I₇(Ho) + ²F_5/2(Yb)] and spontaneous radiation process. The intensity of the UC luminescence centered at 360 nm always increases with Yb³⁺ concentration from 2 to 15 mol%. We believe that it may come from the cooperation of energy transfer process from Yb³⁺ ions in the ²F_5/2 state and the cross energy transfer process ⁵S₂/⁵F₄ + ⁵I₆ → (⁵F, ³F, ⁵G)₂ + ⁵I₈.     

Growth and spectral properties of Tm/Er:NaGd(MoO4)2 single crystal

The Tm³⁺/Er³⁺:NaGd(MoO₄)₂ crystal with dimensions of Φ22×30 mm³ was grown by Czochralski method. Polarized spectra and fluorescence lifetime for the ⁴I_13/2(Er³⁺)→⁴I_15/2(Er³⁺) transition at room temperature were investigated. Based on the Judd-Ofelt theory, the spontaneous transition probabilities, the fluorescent branching ratios and the radiative lifetimes were calculated. The fluorescence lifetime was measured to be 1.81 ms. The detailed excited-transition mechanism with 800 nm radiation is also discussed.     

Multiphoton ultraviolet and visible upconversion luminescence of TmYb co-doped oxyfluoride glass

The ultraviolet upconversion luminescence of Tm³⁺ ions sensitized by Yb³⁺ ions in oxyfluoride glass when excited by a 975 nm diode laser was studied in this paper. One typical ultraviolet upconversion luminescence lines positioned at 362.3 nm was found. It can be attributed to the five-photon upconversion luminescence transition of ¹D₂ → ³H₆. Several visible upconversion luminescence lines at 451.1 nm, (477.9 nm, 462.5 nm), 648.7 nm, (680.5 nm, 699.5 nm) and (777.5 nm, 800.7 nm) were found also, which results from the fluorescence transitions of five-photon ¹D₂ → ³F₄, three-photon ¹G₄ → ³H₆, three-photon ¹G₄ → ³F₄, two-photon ³F₃ → ³H₆ and two-photon ³H₄ → ³H₆ of Tm³⁺ ion, respectively. The theoretical analysis suggests that the upconversion mechanism of the 362.3 nm ¹D₂ → ³H₆ upconversion luminescence is the cross energy transfer of {³H₄(Tm³⁺) → ³F₄(Tm³⁺), ¹G₄(Tm³⁺) → ¹D₂(Tm³⁺)} and {¹G₄(Tm³⁺) → ³F₄(Tm³⁺), ³H₄(Tm³⁺) → ¹D₂(Tm³⁺)} between Tm³⁺ ions. In addition, the upconversion luminescence of ¹G₄ and ³H₄ state results from the sequential energy transfer {²F_5/2(Yb³⁺) → ²F_7/2(Yb³⁺), ³H₄(Tm³⁺) → ¹G₄(Tm³⁺)} and {²F_5/2(Yb³⁺) → ²F_7/2(Yb³⁺), ³F₄(Tm³⁺) → ³F₂(Tm³⁺)} from Yb³⁺ ions to Tm³⁺ions, respectively.     

The effects of Li on the near-infrared luminescence properties of Nd/ Li codoped Y2O3 nanocrystals

Nd³⁺/ Li⁺ codoped Y₂O₃ nanocrystals were synthesized by glycine combustion method. The codoping of Li⁺ ions can lead to about twice enhancement of the near-infrared luminescence for the three spectral regions, which correspond to the ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_9/2, ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2 and ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_13/2 channels of Nd³⁺. The enhancement could be attributed to the improved morphology, the modification of the local symmetry around Nd³⁺ ions and the reducing number of OH⁻ groups by codoping with Li⁺ ions.     

Strong infrared-to-visible frequency upconversion in Er-doped Sr2CeO4 powders

Efficient upconversion (UC) luminescence is demonstrated in Er³⁺:Sr₂CeO₄ powders prepared by combustion synthesis and exposed to near-infrared (∼975 nm) radiation. The UC emission lines observed at ∼530, ∼550 and ∼665 nm correspond, respectively, to ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 4f-4f transitions of Er³⁺. X-ray powder diffraction data showed that the SrCO₃ phase (impurity) is dramatically reduced when Sr²⁺ is partially substituted by Mg²⁺ ions. The UC phenomenon was investigated by use of continuous wave and pulsed laser excitation and the UC mechanism was attributed to energy transfer between excited Er³⁺ ions.     

Influence of carbon templates and Yb concentration on red and green luminescence of uniform Y2O3:Yb/Er hollow microspheres

Uniform Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺-codoped Y₂O₃ hollow microspheres were synthesized via urea co-precipitation using carbon spheres as templates. Intense red emission (⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2) and weak green emission (²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2) of Er³⁺ were observed for the Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺-codoped Y₂O₃ hollow microspheres under 980 nm infrared excitation. The integrated intensity of visible emission and the ratio of red to green were found to be strongly dependent on the amount of carbon sphere templates and the concentration of Yb³⁺ ions. The amount of carbon sphere templates also plays an important role in adjusting the size of crystallite. Multi-phonon relaxation resulted from the absorbents (OH⁻ and CO₃²⁻) on the surface of the crystallite, and efficient occur of energy transfer processes and cross-relaxation between Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ are responsible for the enhancement of intensity ratio of red to green emission. Interestingly, for higher concentration of Yb³⁺ ions, the green emission is assigned to a three-phonon process in Y₂O₃:Yb/Er hollow microspheres, which also could result in the increase of the red to green emission ratio. An explanation to account for these behaviors was presented.     

Upconversion emission enhancement in Er/Yb-codoped BaTiO3 nanocrystals by tridoping with Li ions

Er³⁺/Yb³⁺/Li⁺-tridoped BaTiO₃ nanocrystals were prepared by a sol-gel method to improve the upconversion (UC) luminescence of rare-earth doped BaTiO₃ nanoparticles. Effects of Li⁺ ion on the UC emission properties of the Er³⁺/Yb³⁺/Li⁺-tridoped BaTiO₃ nanocrystals were investigated. The results indicated that tridoping with Li⁺ ion enhanced the visible green and red UC emissions of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-codoped BaTiO₃ nanocrystals under the excitation of a 976 nm laser diode. X-ray diffraction and decay time of the UC luminescence were studied to explain the reasons of the enhancement of UC emission intensity. X-ray diffraction results gave evidence that tridoping with Li⁺ ion decreased the local symmetry of crystal field around Er³⁺, which increased the intra-4f transitions of Er³⁺ ion. Moreover, lifetimes in the intermediate ⁴ S_3/2 and ⁴I_11/2 (Er) states were enhanced by Li⁺ ion incorporation in the lattice. Therefore, it can be concluded that Li⁺ ion in rare-earth doped nanocrystals is effective in enhancing the UC emission intensity.     

Optical thermometry through green and red upconversion emissions in Er/Yb/Li:ZrO2 nanocrystals

Variations of fluorescence intensity ratio of green (generated from Er^{3+ 2}H_11/2 and ⁴S_3/2 levels) and red (generated from the sublevels of Er^{3+ 4}F_9/2 level) upconversion emissions in Er³⁺/Yb³⁺/Li⁺:ZrO₂ nanocrystals have been studied as a function of temperature under 976 nm laser diode excitation. In the temperature range of 323-673 K, the maximum sensitivities of about 0.0134 K^− 1 and 0.0104 K^− 1 are obtained by using green and red emission, respectively. Er³⁺/Yb³⁺/Li⁺:ZrO₂ nanocrystals show potential application value in nanoscale thermal sensor.     

Upconversion luminescence in Yb/Tb-codoped monodisperse NaYF4 nanocrystals

Upconversion (UC) luminescence in monodisperse NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Tb³⁺ nanocrystals was observed under diode laser excitation of 970 nm, which were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. UC emissions at 380, 413, 436 nm and at 488, 542, 584, 620 nm arise from transitions ⁵D₃(⁵G₆) → ⁷F_J(J = 6, 5, 4) and ⁵D₄ → ⁷F_J(J = 6, 5, 4, 3) of Tb³⁺ ions, respectively. UC mechanisms are proposed based on spectral, kinetic, decay time measurements, and pump power dependence analyses. Blue, green and red emissions originate from the same long-lived (milliseconds) upper ⁵D₄ state, which promises the potential applications of these monodisperse Yb³⁺/Tb³⁺-codoped NaYF₄ nanocrystals in the field of photonics, lasers and biomedicine.     

Infrared-excited bright green and red luminescence in La3Ga5.5Ta0.5O14 doped with erbium and ytterbium

Bright green (at 525 and 550 nm) and red (at 660 nm) luminescence in Er:Yb:La₃Ga_5.5Ta_0.5O₁₄ (LGT) powder synthesized by solid state reaction was obtained by pumping at 936 nm. Yb³⁺-Er³⁺ energy transfer processes accounting for population of the ²H2_11/2, ⁴S_3/2 and ⁴F_9/2 Er³⁺ levels are discussed. The dependence of ratio between the intensities of the green and red luminescence on pump intensity is analyzed. The rather high quantum efficiency (58%) of the (⁴S_3/2, ²H2_11/2) Er³⁺ emitting level recommends LGT doped with erbium and ytterbium for upconversion applications.     

Continuous-wave dual-wavelength operation at 1062 and 1338 nm in Nd:YAl3(BO3)4 and observation of yellow laser light generation at 592 nm by their self-sum-frequency-mixing

We report simultaneous oscillation in continuous wave at 1062 and 1337 nm in a Nd³⁺:YAl₃(BO₃)₄ nonlinear crystal associated to the infrared laser channels ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2 and ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_13/2 of Nd³⁺. Generation of yellow laser light at 592 nm produced by Type I self-sum-frequency-mixing of both fundamental infrared laser waves is observed under non-optimal phase matching conditions.     

Investigation of spectroscopic properties and thermal stability of Er/Yb-co-doped Bi2O3-B2O3-Ga2O3 glasses

A series of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-co-doped 60Bi₂O₃-(40−x) B₂O₃ -xGa₂O₃ (BBGA x=0, 4, 8, 12, 16 mol%) glasses have been prepared. The absorption spectra, emission spectra, fluorescence lifetime of Er³⁺:⁴I_13/2 level and thermal stability were measured and investigated. Three Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters Ω_t (t=2,4,6) (Ω₂=(4.67-5.93)×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₄=(1.50-1.81)×10⁻²⁰ cm², Ω₆=(0.92-1.17)×10⁻²⁰ cm²) of Er³⁺ ions were calculated by Judd-Ofelt theory. It is found that the Ω₆ first increases with the increase of Ga₂O₃ content from 0 to 8 mol% and then decreases, which is mainly affected by the number of non-bridging oxygen ions of the glass network. The high peak of stimulated emission cross-section () of Er³⁺: ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition were obtained according to McCumber theory and broad full width at half maximum (FWHM=69-76 nm) of the ⁴I_13/2→⁴I_15/2 transition of Er³⁺ ions were measured. The results indicate that these new BBGA glasses can be used as a candidate host material for potential broadband optical amplifiers.     

The microscopic interaction parameters for Er/Ho energy transfer in tellurite glasses

We investigate the energy transfer between Er³⁺/Ho³⁺ in tellurite glasses. The main channels of energy transfer between Er³⁺/Ho³⁺ are analyzed in detail. The microscopic interaction parameters of resonant and non-resonant (phonon-assisted) energy transfer parameters via Er³⁺→Ho³⁺ are calculated. The result shows that the resonant energy transfers Er³⁺(²H_11/2(⁴S_3/2))→Ho³⁺(⁵F₄(⁵S₂)) and Er³⁺(⁴F_9/2)→Ho³⁺(⁵F₅) are very efficient and non-resonant energy transfers Er³⁺(⁴I_13/2)→Ho³⁺(⁵I₇) and Er³⁺(⁴I_11/2)→Ho³⁺(⁵I₆), which are a phonon-assisted energy transfer process because of energy mismatch are also existed and cannot be neglected.     

Temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra of Er-Tm-codoped Al2O3 thin film

Er-Tm-codoped Al₂O₃ thin films with different Tm to Er concentration ratios were synthesized by cosputtering from separated Er, Tm, Si, and Al₂O₃ targets. The temperature dependence of photoluminescence (PL) spectra was studied. A flat and broad emission band was achieved in the 1.4-1.7 μm and the observed 1470, 1533 and 1800 nm emission bands were attributed to the transitions of Tm³⁺: ³H₄ → ³F₄, Er³⁺: ⁴I_13/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and Tm³⁺: ³F₄ → ³H₆, respectively. The temperature dependence is rather complicated. With increasing measuring temperature, the peak intensity related to Er³⁺ ions increases by a factor of five, while the Tm³⁺ PL intensity at 1800 nm decreases by one order of magnitude. This phenomenon is attributed to a complicated energy transfer (ET) processes involving both Er³⁺ and Tm³⁺ and increase of phonon-assisted ET rate with temperature as well. It should be helpful to fully understand ET processes between Er and Tm and achieve flat and broad emission band at different operating temperatures.