Synthesis process and the luminescence properties of rare earth doped NaLa(WO4)2 nanoparticles

Rare earth doped NaLa(WO₄)₂ nanoparticles have been prepared by a simply hydrothermal synthesis procedure. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows that the Eu³⁺-doped NaLa(WO₄)₂ nanoparticles with an average size of 10-30 nm can be obtained via hydrothermal treatment for different time at 180 °C. The luminescence intensity of Eu³⁺-doped NaLa(WO₄)₂ nanoparticles depended on the size of the nanoparticles. The bright upconversion luminescence of the 2 mol% Er³⁺ and 20 mol% Yb³⁺ codoped NaLa(WO₄)₂ nanoparticles under 980 nm excitation could also be observed. The Yb³⁺-Er³⁺ codoped NaLa(WO₄)₂ nanoparticles prepared by the hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C and then heated at 600 °C shows a 20 times stronger upconversion luminescence than those prepared by hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C or by hydrothermal treatment at 180 °C and then heated at 400 °C.     

Composition dependent frequency upconversion luminescence in Er-doped oxychloride germanate glasses

Er³⁺-doped oxychloride germanate glasses have been synthesized by conventional melting and quenching method. Structural and thermal stability properties were obtained based on the Raman spectra and differential thermal analysis, indicating that PbCl₂ plays an important role in the formation of glass network and has an important influence on the maximum phonon energy and thermal stability of host glasses. Intense green and red emissions centered at 525, 546, and 657 nm, corresponding to the transitions ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2, respectively, were observed at room temperature. With increasing PbCl₂ content, the intensity of green (525 and 546 nm) emissions increases significantly, while the red (657 nm) emission increases slowly. The results indicate that PbCl₂ has more influence on the green emissions than the red emission in oxychloride germanate glasses. The possible upconversion luminescence mechanisms has also been estimated and discussed.     

Structural and upconversion fluorescence properties of Er/Yb-codoped oxychloride lead-germanium-bismuth glass

Structural and infrared-to-visible upconversion fluorescence properties of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-codoped oxychloride lead-germanium-bismuth glass have been studied. The Raman spectrum investigation indicates that PbCl₂ plays an important role in the formation of glass network, and has an important influence on the upconversion luminescence owing to lower phonon energy. Intense green and red emissions centered at 525, 546, and 657 nm, corresponding to the transitions ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2, respectively, were observed at room temperature. The quadratic dependence of the 525, 546, and 657 nm emissions on excitation power indicates that a two-photon absorption process occurs under 975 nm excitation.     

Investigation of energy transfer and frequency upconversion in Ho/Yb co-doped tellurite glasses

A serials of Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped tellurite glasses by pumping 970 nm laser diode (LD) were demonstrated to obtain a high efficiency of infrared-to-visible upconversion. Two intense emission bands were observed in Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped tellurite glasses centered at 549 and 664 nm corresponding to Ho³⁺: ⁵S₂(⁵F₄)→⁵I₈ and ⁵F₅→⁵I₈ transitions, respectively. The upconversion intensities of red and green emissions in Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped glasses were enhanced largely when increasing Yb₂O₃ content. The dependence of upconversion intensities on excitation power and the possible upconversion mechanisms had been evaluated by a proper rate equation model. The energy transfer coefficients were estimated by fitting the simulated curves to the measured ones. The obtained three energy transfer coefficients C_D2, C_D3 and C_D4 were C_D2=5.0×10⁻¹⁸ cm³/s, C_D3=1.5×10⁻¹⁷ cm³/s, C_D4=9.0×10⁻¹⁷ cm³/s.     

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.     

Microwave sol-gel process of KGd(WO4)2:Ho3+/Yb3 phosphors and their upconversion photoluminescence properties

Double tungstate KGd_1−x(WO₄)₂:Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ phosphors with doping concentrations of Ho³⁺ and Yb³⁺ (x=Ho³⁺+Yb³⁺, Ho³⁺=0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and Yb³⁺=0.2, 0.45) were successfully synthesized by the microwave sol–gel method, and the upconversion mechanisms were investigated in detail. The synthesized particles formed after heat-treatment at 900 °C for 16 h showed a well crystallized morphology with particle sizes of 2–5 μm. Under excitation at 980 nm, the UC intensities of KGd_0.7(WO₄)₂:Ho_0.1Yb_0.2 and KGd_0.5(WO₄)₂Ho_0.05Yb_0.45 particles exhibited yellow emissions based on a strong 550-nm emission band in the green region and a strong 655-nm emission band in the red region, which were assigned to the ⁵S₂/⁵F₄→⁵I₈ and ⁵F₅→⁵I₈ transitions, respectively. The Raman spectra of the doped particles indicated the presence of strong peaks at higher frequencies of 764, 812, 904, 984, 1050, 1106, 1250 and 1340 cm⁻¹ induced by the disorder of the [WO₄]²⁻ groups with the incorporation of the Ho³⁺ and Yb³⁺ elements into the crystal lattice or by a new phase formation.     

Host dependent frequency upconversion of Er-doped oxyfluoride germanate glasses

Er³⁺-doped oxyfluoride germanate glasses have been synthesized by the conventional melting and quenching method. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters were calculated based on the Judd-Ofelt theory and absorption spectra measurements. With the substitution of PbF₂ for PbO, the Ω₂ parameter decreases, while the Ω₆ parameter increases. These change trends indicate that fluoride anions come to coordinate erbium cations and the covalency of the Er-O bond decreases. Structural and thermal stability properties were obtained by Raman spectra and differential thermal analysis, indicating that PbF₂ plays an important role in the formation of glass network and has an important influence on the maximum phonon energy and thermal stability of host glasses. Intense green and red emissions centered at 525, 546, and 657 nm, corresponding to the transitions ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2, respectively, were simultaneously observed at room temperature. With increasing PbF₂ content, the intensity of red (657 nm) emissions increases significantly, while that of the green (525 and 546 nm) emission increases slightly. The results indicate that PbF₂ has more influence on the red (657 nm) emission than the green (525 and 546 nm) emissions in oxyfluoride germanate glasses. The possible upconversion luminescence mechanisms have also been estimated and discussed.     

Emission analysis of Tb:MgAl2O4 powder phosphor

This paper reports the emission analysis of green-emitting Tb³⁺-doped MgAl₂O₄ phosphors. Uniformity of the phase of the Tb³⁺-doped MgAl₂O₄ phosphor has been checked by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and show common bands existing in the results of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). This phosphor exhibits weak blue, orange emissions and a strong emission at λ_exci=350 nm. The blue and green-orange emissions are ascribed to ⁵D₃→⁷F_J and ⁵D₄→⁷F_J (where J=3-6) transitions of Tb³⁺ ions, respectively. These phosphors have shown a strong, more prominent green emission from ⁵D₄→⁷F₅ at 543 nm. The results have indicated that MgAl₂O₄:Tb³⁺ could be a potential candidate as agreen-emitting powder phosphor.     

A simple photochemical method to synthesize Ga2O3-Dy-M thin films and their evaluation as optical materials (where M=Cr or Co)

We report the photochemical method to synthesize Ga₂O₃-Dy³⁺-Co³⁺ and Ga₂O₃-Dy³⁺-Cr³⁺ thin films. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and photoluminescence were used to characterize the products. These analyses revealed that as-deposited and annealed films are amorphous. The optical characterization of the films showed that these are highly transparent in the visible spectrum but decrease significantly with doped and co-doped films. Under the excitation of UV light (254 nm) the doped films (Ga₂O₃-Dy³⁺) show the characteristic emissions of Dy³⁺ at 500, 575, 594, 605 and 652 nm corresponding to ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_J ( J=15/2, 13/2 and 11/2) transitions but the emissions decrease with the co-doped films (Ga₂O₃-Dy³⁺-M³⁺, where M=Cr or Co); a possible emission mechanism and energy transfer have been proposed.     

Spectroscopic properties of Pr:KY(MoO4)2 crystal as a visible laser gain medium

A Pr³⁺-doped KY(MoO₄)₂ single crystal was grown by the Czochralski method. The polarized absorption and fluorescence spectra of the Pr³⁺:KY(MoO₄)₂ crystal were measured at room temperature. The stimulated emission cross-sections for the transitions from the ³P₀ multiplet were estimated from the fluorescence spectra. The fluorescence lifetime of the ³P₀ multiplet was estimated from the fluorescence decay curve at room temperature. The analysis of spectral properties shows that the Pr³⁺:KY(MoO₄)₂ crystal is a promising gain medium for visible lasers.     

Upconversion fluorescence property of Er/Yb-codoped novel bismuth-germanium glass

Infrared-to-visible upconversion fluorescence property of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-codoped novel bismuth-germanium glass under 975 nm LD excitation has been studied. Intense green and red emissions centered at 525, 546 and 657 nm, corresponding to the transitions ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2, and ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2, respectively, were observed at room temperature. The quadratic dependence of the 525, 546 and 657 nm emissions on excitation power indicates that a two-photon absorption process occurs. The structure of the bismuth-germanium glass has been investigated by peak-deconvolution of FT-Raman spectrum, and the structural information was obtained from the peak wavenumbers. This novel bismuth-germanium glass with low maximum phonon energy (∼750 cm⁻¹) can be used as potential host material for upconversion lasers.     

Spectroscopic and photoluminescence characteristics of Dy ions in lead containing sodium fluoroborate glasses for laser materials

Lead containing calcium zinc sodium fluoroborate (LCZSFB) glasses doped with different concentrations of trivalent dysprosium ions were prepared and investigated by the XRD, FTIR, optical absorption, photoluminescence and decay curve analysis. The experimentally determined oscillator strengths have been determined by measuring the areas under the absorption peaks and the Judd–Ofelt (J–O) intensity parameters were calculated using the least squares fit method. From the evaluated J–O parameters the radiative transition probability rates, radiative lifetimes and branching ratios were calculated for ⁴F_9/2 excited level. Room temperature photoluminescence spectra for different concentrations of Dy³⁺-doped LCZSFB glasses were obtained by exciting the glass samples at 386 nm. The intensity of Dy³⁺ emission spectra increases with increasing concentration of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 mol% and beyond 1.0 mol% the concentration quenching is observed. The measuring branching ratios are reasonably high for transitions ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2 and ⁶H_13/2, suggesting that the emission at 484 and 576 nm, respectively, can give rise to lasing action in the visible region. From the visible emission spectra, yellow–blue (Y/B) intensity ratios and chromaticity color coordinates were also estimated. The lifetimes of ⁴F_9/2 metastable state for the samples with different concentrations were also measured and discussed.     

Comparative structural and photoluminescent study of Eu-doped La2O3 and La(OH)3 nanocrystalline powders

Eu³⁺-doped La₂O₃ nanocrystalline powder was prepared by polymer complex solution method and further used for preparation of Eu³⁺-doped La(OH)₃. Structural and optical characterization was carried out by powder X-ray diffraction and photoluminescent spectroscopy. XRD measurements confirmed the formation of hexagonal La₂O₃ and its recrystallization into La(OH)₃ in a humid atmosphere. Excitation spectra show redshift of host lattice and charge transfer emission bands in La(OH)₃ while bands that correspond to Eu³⁺f–f transitions are placed at same wavelengths in both samples. Photoluminescence spectra recorded over the temperature range from 10 K to 300 K show that intensities of emission lines in Eu³⁺-doped La₂O₃ do not depend on temperature as much as in La(OH)₃ sample. Observed dominant ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ and markedly visible ⁵D₀→⁷F₀ emissions in doped La₂O₃ indicate that Eu³⁺ ion is located in a structural site without an inversion center. On the other hand, in Eu³⁺-doped La(OH)₃⁵D₀→⁷F₀ transition is barely visible while ⁵D₀→⁷F₂ is not prominent, and with temperature drop three ⁵D₀→⁷F_J (J=1, 2, 4) transitions become almost of the same intensity. In both La₂O₃ and La(OH)₃ structures Eu³⁺ ion replaces La³⁺ in non-centrosymmetric C_3v and C_3h crystallographic sites, respectively, and difference in symmetry of the crystal field around europium ion is explained by comparing shape and volume of these sites. Decay times of the ⁵D₀- level recorded over the temperature range 10−300 K revealed that emission lifetime values in La₂O₃ (~0.7 ms) are almost two times higher than in La(OH)₃ (~0.4 ms), and unlike in La₂O₃, lifetime in La(OH)₃ is temperature dependent.     

Luminescent properties of R2(MoO4)3:Eu (R=La, Y, Gd) phosphors prepared by sol-gel process

A series of red phosphors R_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ (R=La, Y, and Gd) have been synthesized by sol-gel method. The crystallization processes of the phosphor precursors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA), and the properties of these resulting phosphors have also been characterized by photoluminescence (PL) spectra and reflectance spectra. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was also used to characterize the shape and the size of the samples. The results of TG-DTA and XRD indicated that all of the R_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ (R=La, Y, and Gd) phosphors crystallized completely at 650 °C. Y_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ and Gd_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ have two structures, monoclinic and orthorhombic, while La_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ only adopts monoclinic structure. The luminescent properties of phosphors R_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ (R=La, Y, and Gd) are dependent on their structures to some extent. The orthorhombic Y_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ and Gd_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ phosphors show very similar luminescent properties, which differ from those of phosphors with monoclinic structure. For all of R_0.8Eu_1.2(MoO₄)₃ (R=La, Y, and Gd) phosphors, intense red emission is obtained by exciting at ∼394 and ∼465 nm which are owing to the sharp ⁷F₀→⁵L₆ and ⁷F₀→⁵D₂ lines of Eu³⁺. Two strongest lines at 394 and 465 nm in excitation spectra of these phosphors match well with the two popular emissions from near-UV and blue GaN-based LEDs, so they could be used as red components for white light-emitting diodes.     

Low-temperature vibrational properties of KGd(WO4)2: (Er, Yb) single crystals studied by Raman spectroscopy

Temperature-dependent polarized Raman spectra of KGd(WO₄)₂: (Er, Yb) single crystals have been analyzed over the 77-292 K temperature range. The A_g and B_g spectra obtained are discussed in terms of factor group analysis. The spectra have been found to reveal the bands related to internal and external vibrations of WO₄²⁻, WOW and WOOW molecular groups. Strong depolarization of the majority of the Raman bands has been observed in the whole temperature range. Some anomalies in the spectral parameters of selected Raman bands below 175 K have been discussed in terms of the local distortion of WO₄²⁻ ions in KGd(WO₄)₂: (Er, Yb) crystals.     

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.     

Spectral performance and intensive green upconversion luminescence in Er/Yb-codoped NaY(WO4)2 crystal

Using Czochralski (CZ) pulling method, an Er³⁺/Yb³⁺-codoped NaY(WO₄)₂ crystal was prepared. Absorption spectra, emission spectra and excitation spectra of this crystal were measured at room temperature. Some optical parameters, such as intensity parameters, spontaneous emission probabilities and lifetimes, were calculated from absorption spectra with Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory. Upconversion luminescence excited by a 970 nm diode laser was studied. In this crystal, green upconversion luminescence is particularly intensive. Energy transfer mechanisms that play an important role in upconversion processes were analyzed. Two cross-relaxation processes: ⁴G_11/2 + ⁴I_9/2 → ²H_11/2 (or ⁴S_3/2) + ²H_11/2 (or ⁴S_3/2), and ⁴G_11/2 + ⁴I_15/2 → ²H_11/2 (or ⁴S_3/2) + ²I_13/2, which contribute to the intensive green luminescence under 378 nm excitation, were put forward. Background energy transfer ⁴G_11/2(Er³⁺) + ²F_7/2(Yb³⁺) → ⁴F_9/2(Er³⁺) + ²F_5/2(Yb³⁺) was also demonstrated.     

Fluorescence and Judd-Ofelt analysis of Nd ions in oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing CaF2 nanocrystals

Judd-Ofelt analyses of Nd³⁺ ions in the oxyfluoride glasses and glass ceramics containing CaF₂ nanocrystals are performed to evaluate the intensity parameters Ω_2,4,6, spontaneous emission probability, radiative lifetime, quantum efficiency, as well as stimulated emission cross-section. The influences of Nd³⁺-doping level and heating temperature on these parameters for the ⁴F_3/2→⁴I_J (J=9/2, 11/2, and 13/2) transitions are systematically discussed. The decrease of intensity parameter Ω₂ evidences the incorporation of Nd³⁺ ions into CaF₂ nanocrystals after crystallization. With increasing of Nd³⁺-doping level, the measured lifetime and quantum efficiency gradually decrease, while the stimulated emission cross-section keeps almost unchanged. For 1.0 mol% Nd³⁺-doped sample, both the emission intensity and the measured lifetime enhance with increasing of heating temperature up to 650 °C. The results indicate that the investigated glass ceramics are potentially applicable as the 1.06 um laser host.     

Upconversion studies in Er doped TeO2-M2O (M=Li, Na and K) binary glasses

The luminescence properties of Er³⁺ doped alkali tellurite [ TeO₂-M₂O (M=Li, Na and K)] glasses are investigated. Infrared to visible upconversion emissions are observed at 410, 525, 550 and 658 nm using 797 nm excitation. These bands are assigned to the ²H_9/2  →⁴I_15/2, ²H_11/2  →⁴I_15/2, ⁴S_3/2  →⁴I_15/2, ⁴F_9/2  →⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺ respectively. Detailed study reveals that the ²H_9/2  →⁴I_15/2 transition at 410 nm involves a three-step process while the other transitions involve two-steps. Excitation with 532 nm radiation gives additional bands at 380, 404, 475 and 843 nm wavelengths due to the ⁴G_11/2  →⁴I_15/2, ²P_3/2  →⁴I_13/2, ²P_3/2  →⁴I_11/2, and ⁴S_3/2  →⁴I_13/2 transitions, respectively, along with the bands observed on NIR excitation. The fluorescence yield is found to be largest for the TeO₂-Na₂O glass. The lifetime of the ⁴S_3/2 level has been measured for all the three cases and used to explain the upconversion mechanisms. The fluorescence intensity ratio corresponding to the two thermally coupled levels (²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2) has been used to estimate the temperature of the glass. It is observed that the temperature sensing capacity of TeO₂-Li₂O glass is better than the other two glasses.