Spectroscopic study of double sodium-yttrium fluoride crystals doped with erbium Na<Subscript>0.4</Subscript>Y<Subscript>0.6</Subscript>F<Subscript>2.2</Subscript>:Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: I. Intensities of luminescence spectra and kinetics of luminescence

Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Er³⁺ (NYF:Er) crystals with an erbium concentration as high as 100 at. % (Na_0.4Er_0.6F_2.2) were grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. The optical spectra were investigated at low (6 K) and room temperatures. It is shown that the absorption spectrum of NYF:Er crystals contains wide bands (790–801 and 965–980 nm) corresponding to the emission range of laser diodes. The peak absorption cross section σ_a for the band peaked at λ=970.4 nm is 0.15×10^?20 cm². On the basis of the analysis of the absorption and luminescence spectra at low (6 and 12 K) temperatures, the structure of the Stark splitting of erbium levels was determined as a structure of quasi-centers for which Stark components are inhomogeneously broadened. The oscillator strengths of the transitions from the ground state of erbium to excited multiplets were calculated from the absorption spectra measured at T=300 K, and the intensity parameters Ω_t were determined by the Judd-Ofelt method: Ω₂=1.65×10^?20 cm², Ω₄=0.56× 10^?20 cm², and Ω₆=1.01×10^?20 cm². These values of the intensity parameters were used to calculate the probabilities of radiative transitions and the branching ratios. The rates of multiphonon nonradiative transitions in NYF: Er were estimated. The luminescence decay kinetics for radiative levels of erbium ions upon their selective excitation by nanosecond laser pulses was studied. The intracenter lifetimes of radiative levels of erbium ions were determined from the luminescence kinetics upon selective ion excitation by low-intensity light in a sample with a low erbium concentration (0.5%). It is demonstrated that, with an increase in temperature from 6 to 300 K, luminescence from the ⁴ G _11/2, ² G(H)_9/2, and ⁴ F _9/2 levels is quenched as a result of multiphonon nonradiative transitions. Luminescence from the ⁴ I _9/2 level is quenched only insignificantly with increasing temperature, and no quenching of luminescence from the ⁴ I _11/2 and ⁴ I _13/2 levels is observed. The spectra of steady-state luminescence of NYF:Er(0.5–15%) crystals were investigated upon broadband excitation by UV and UV-visible lamp light and selective time-resolved laser excitation. It is shown that low-lying levels of erbium ions separated by an energy gap smaller than 2500 cm^?1 are populated via cascade mechanisms. On the basis of the results obtained, it is concluded that NYF:Er ³⁺ crystals are promising candidates for active media of tunable diode-pumped lasers.     

Study of spectroscopic characteristics of holmium-doped double sodium-yttrium fluoride crystals Na<Subscript>0.4</Subscript>Y<Subscript>0.6</Subscript>F<Subscript>2.2</Subscript>:Ho<Superscript>3+</Superscript>

We have grown crystals Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Ho³⁺ (NYF:Ho³⁺) by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. The optical spectra and luminescence kinetics of NYF:Ho³⁺ crystals have been studied. Based on the analysis of low-temperature absorption spectra, we determine the structure of the Stark splitting of holmium levels in NYF:Ho³⁺ crystals. From absorption spectra examined at T = 300 K, we calculate absorption cross-section spectra and oscillator strengths of transitions from the ground state of holmium to excited multiplets. We show that the absorption spectra of NYF:Ho³⁺ crystals consist of broad bands that lie in the UV, visible, and near-IR ranges. The most intense bands are observed in the visible range, they correspond to transitions ⁵ I ₈ → (⁵ F ₁, ⁵ G ₆) and ⁵ I ₈ → (⁵ F ₄, ⁵ S ₂), and their maximal absorption cross sections are σ_abs^max (λ = 450.3 nm) = 1.16 × 10⁻²⁰ cm² and σ_abs^max (λ = 535.1 nm) = 0.9 × 10⁻²⁰ cm². The intensity parameters Ω _t have been calculated by the Judd-Ofelt method taking into account 10, 12, and 20 transitions from the ⁵ I ₈ ground state to excited multiplets. We show that, with an increasing number of transitions taken into account in the calculation, the parameters Ω _t somewhat increase. For 20 transitions, we have obtained the following intensity parameters: Ω₂ = 0.97 × 10⁻²⁰, Ω₄ = 1.74 × 10⁻²⁰, and Ω₆ = 1.15 × 10⁻²⁰ cm². With these parameters, we have calculated the probabilities of radiative transitions, the radiative lifetimes, and the branching ratios. The rates of multiphoton nonradiative transitions have been estimated. The luminescence decay kinetics from excited holmium levels ⁵ F ₃ (⁵ F ₄, ⁵ S ₂) and ⁵ F ₅ have been studied upon selective excitation in the range of 490 nm, and the lifetimes of these levels have been experimentally determined. We find that the calculated and experimental rates of radiative and nonradiative relaxation from excited holmium levels agree well with each other. We show that, upon pumping in the range of 490 nm, the multiplet (⁵ F ₄, ⁵ S ₂) is populated as a result of the radiative and nonradiative excitation relaxation from the ⁵ F ₃ level, while the lower-lying ⁵ F ₅ level is populated due to direct radiative transitions ⁵ F _{3, 2} → ⁵ F ₅, obviating the cascade scheme ⁵ F ₃ → (⁵ F ₄, ⁵ S ₂) ↝ ⁵ F ₅. We conclude that NYF:Ho³⁺ crystals are processable; admit doping by holmium in high concentrations (up to 100%); and, with respect to all their radiative characteristics, can be considered as potential active media for solid-state continuously tunable lasers in the IR and visible ranges.     

Spectroscopic study of thulium-activated double sodium yttrium fluoride Na<Subscript>0.4</Subscript>Y<Subscript>0.6</Subscript>F<Subscript>2.2</Subscript>:Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> crystals: I. Intensity of spectra and luminescence kinetics

Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Tm³⁺ crystals with a thulium content from 1 to 100 at % have been grown by the Stockbarger-Bridgman method. The optical spectra of Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Tm³⁺ crystals were investigated in detail at room and low (10 K) temperatures, and the luminescence kinetics was analyzed using different excitation methods. The structure of the Stark splitting of thulium levels as “quasi-centers,” characterized by inhomogeneous broadening of the Stark components, is determined from analysis of the absorption spectrum at 10 K. The oscillator strengths of the transitions from the ground state to excited multiplets are determined from the absorption cross-section spectra at 300 K for ten transitions in the range 5000–38 500 cm^?1 and seven transitions in the range 5000–28 500 cm^?1. The transition intensity parameters Ω _t , obtained by the Judd-Ofelt method from the spectra due to the transitions to ten and seven excited levels, were found to be, respectively, (i) Ω₂ = 1.89 × 10^?20, Ω₄ = 2.16 × 10^?20, and Ω₆ = 1.40 × 10^?20 cm² and (ii) Ω₂ = 2.04 × 10^?20, Ω₄ = 2.01 × 10^?20, and Ω₆ = 1.44 × 10^?20 cm². These values of the intensity parameters were used to calculate the radiative transition probabilities and branching ratios and to estimate the multiphonon nonradiative transition probabilities for NYF:Tm. The luminescence decay kinetics from thulium radiative levels upon their selective excitation by nanosecond laser pulses has been studied and the lifetimes of thulium radiative levels in NYF crystals have been found.     

VUV spectroscopy of Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-doped Na<Subscript>0.4</Subscript>Lu<Subscript>0.6</Subscript>F<Subscript>2.2</Subscript> single crystals

The short-wave transmission spectrum of Na_0.4Lu_0.6F_2.2 with the visible/ultraviolet transmission edge of 8 eV was studied. Absorption spectra of the 4f—5d transitions of the Ce³⁺ ion in the region of 4–8 eV were studied in Ce³⁺-doped Na_0.4Lu_0.6F_2.2 single crystals. Luminescence spectra in the ultraviolet and visible spectral regions, luminescence decay kinetics and reflection and luminescence excitation spectra in the visible/ultraviolet and ultraviolet regions (4–20 eV) were investigated at helium and room temperatures.     

Spectroscopic study of erbium-activated crystals of double calcium yttrium fluoride Ca<Subscript>0.89</Subscript>Y<Subscript>0.11</Subscript>F<Subscript>2.11</Subscript>:Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: I. Intensity of spectra and luminescence kinetics

Ca_0.89Y_0.11F_2.11:Er³⁺ (CYF:Er) crystals with an erbium content of 1–15 at % have been grown. The optical spectra and luminescence kinetics of CYF:Er crystals have been investigated at low (～5 K) and room temperatures. Based on an analysis of the absorption spectra at low temperature, the structure of Stark splitting of erbium levels in CYF:Er crystals is determined. Room-temperature absorption spectra are used to calculate the spectra of absorption cross sections and oscillator strengths of transitions from the erbium ground state to excited multiplets. It is shown that the absorption spectrum of CYF:Er crystals contains broad bands in the ranges of 790–815 and 965–980 nm, which correspond to the range of emission of laser diodes. For the band peaking near 967 nm, the peak absorption cross section is σ _abs ^max = 2.7 × 10^?21 cm². The intensity parameters are determined by the Judd-Ofelt method to be Ω₂ = 1.39 × 10^?20, Ω₄ = 1.34 × 10^?20, and Ω₆ = 2.24 × 10^?20 cm². The radiative transition probabilities, radiative lifetimes, and branching ratios are calculated with these values. The luminescence decay kinetics from excited erbium levels upon selective excitation is investigated and the experimental lifetimes of the 4F _9/2, ⁴ S _3/2, and ⁴ G _11/2 radiative erbium levels are determined. The dependences of multiphonon relaxation rates on the energy gap in CYF:Er crystals are obtained. The rates of nonradiative multiphonon relaxation from radiative erbium levels are determined.     

Color Change Upconversion Mechanism of Y<Subscript>6</Subscript>O<Subscript>5</Subscript>F<Subscript>8</Subscript>: Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Microtubes by Using Time-Resolve Spectra

The mechanism of the upconversion processes in Y₆O₅F₈: 2%Er³⁺/X%Yb³⁺ (X = 3, 10, 20) microtubes has been explored. The luminescent properties of the as prepared sample is investigated by utilizing up- /downconversion, decay and time resolve spectra. The results indicate that the red and green emission are clearly competitive depending on the Yb³⁺ concentration. High Yb³⁺ concentration induces the enhancement of the energy-back-transfer (EBT), process, which leads to the quenching of green emission and enhances the red emission. So it is possible to utilize the temporal evolutions of emission bands to deeply understand the color change UC mechanisms.     

VUV luminescence of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions in LiYF<Subscript>4</Subscript> and BaY<Subscript>2</Subscript>F<Subscript>8</Subscript> crystals

Vacuum ultraviolet luminescence of Er³⁺ ions in LiYF4 and BaY₂F₈ crystals has been investigated. It is revealed that under excitation by 193 nm radiation from an ArF excimer laser the interconfigurational 5d–4f radiative transitions in Er³⁺ ions are observed. It is shown that from the LiYF₄:Er crystal only the spin-forbidden luminescence (λ = 165 nm) is detected, whereas both the spin-forbidden (λ = 169 nm) and spin-allowed (λ = 160.5 nm) components are observed from the BaY₂F₈:Er crystal.     

Spectroscopic characteristics of praseodymium-doped cubic double sodium-yttrium fluoride crystals Na0.4Y0.6F2.2:Pr3+. Intensities of optical transitions and luminescence kinetics

Using the Bridgman-Stockbarger technique, we have grown a series of cubic crystals Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Pr³⁺ (NYF:Pr³⁺) with a content of praseodymium in the range of 0.04–9 at %. We have determined the composition of crystals, evaluated their optical quality, and found the incorporation coefficient of Pr³⁺ ions into the Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2 matrix (K _Pr ～ 0.9). We have examined optical spectra of NaYF:Pr³⁺ crystals at room and low (7 K) temperatures in the range of 200–2500 nm. The low-temperature absorption spectra of NYF:Pr³⁺ crystals have been shown to consist of broad weakly structured bands. Based on the analysis of low-temperature absorption spectra, the structure of the Stark splitting of praseodymium levels has been represented in terms of a model of “quasi-centers,” which are characterized by an inhomogeneous broadening of Stark components. From experimental absorption cross-section spectra at T = 300 K, we have calculated oscillator strengths for transitions from the ground state ³ H ₄ to excited multiplets ³ H ₅, ³ H ₆, ³ F _j (j = 2, 3, 4), ¹ G ₄, ¹ D ₂, and (³ P _j ,¹ I ₆) (j = 0, 1, 2). Using the Judd-Ofelt method, we have determined intensity parameters Ω _t and found that Ω₂ = 0, Ω₄ = 4.4 × 10^?20, and Ω₆ = 2.28 × 10^?20 cm². With these values, we have calculated the probabilities of radiative transitions, the branching coefficients, and the lifetimes of the radiative levels ¹ D ₂ and ³ P ₀. The probabilities of multiphonon nonradiative transitions in NYF:Pr³⁺ crystals have been estimated. Using the method of kinetic spectroscopy with selective excitation, we have investigated the luminescence decay kinetics of praseodymium from the ³ P ₀ and ¹ D ₂ levels upon their selective resonant excitation by nanosecond laser pulses. The inference has been made that Na_0.4Y_0.6F_2.2:Pr³⁺ crystals are processable; admit doping by praseodymium in high concentrations; and, with respect to all their radiative characteristics, can be potentially considered as active media for converters of optical radiation and solid-state continuously tunable lasers in the visible range.     

Spectroscopic properties of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> in Sc:LiNbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystal

The results of Er³⁺ ion spectroscopic analysis in Sc:LiNbO₃ crystals were reported. The line strengths from the ground state to the excited state were evaluated from the measured unpolarized absorption spectrum and analyzed by using standard Judd–Ofelt theory. For Sc(3 mol. %):Er (1 mol. %):LiNbO₃ crystal, the obtained intensity parameters are: Ω₂=3.72×10^-20 cm², Ω₄=1.07×10^-20 cm², and Ω₆=0.98×10^-20 cm². The fluorescence spectra and microsecond time-resolved spectra were investigated in the visible region. The excited state absorption transition strengths at 800 nm excitation were evaluated based on Judd–Ofelt theory. The results obtained here were compared to results from other research on Er:LiNbO₃ crystals. PACS 71.20.Eh; 77.84.Dy; 42.70.Hj; 42.62.Fi; 42.65.Ky     

Defect Structure and Up-conversion Luminescence Properties of ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript>:Yb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>,Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> Nanomaterials

The up-converting ZrO₂:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ nanomaterials were prepared with the combustion and sol–gel methods. FT-IR spectroscopy was used for analyzing the impurities. The crystal structures were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction and the mean crystallite sizes were estimated with the Scherrer formula. Up-conversion luminescence measurements were made at room temperature with IR-laser excitation at 977 nm. The IR spectra revealed the conventional and OH⁻ impurities for the combustion synthesis products. The structure of the ZrO₂:Yb³⁺, Er³⁺ nanomaterials was cubic except for the minor monoclinic and tetragonal impurities obtained with the sol–gel method. The materials showed red (650–700 nm) and green (520–560 nm) up-conversion luminescence due to the ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and (²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2)→⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺, respectively. The products obtained with the combustion synthesis exhibited the most intense luminescence intensity and showed considerable afterglow.     

Low-temperature time-resolved VUV luminescence spectroscopy of SrF<Subscript>2</Subscript>: Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> crystals

Time-resolved excitation and emission spectra of SrF₂: Er³⁺ upon selective excitation with synchrotron radiation in the VUV and ultrasoft x-ray ranges at T = 8 K were studied. The VUV luminescence of SrF₂: Er³⁺ derives from high-energy interconfiguration 4f¹⁰5d-4f¹¹ transitions in the Er³⁺ ion. The VUV emission spectrum revealed, in addition to the 164.5-nm band (millisecond-range kinetics), a band at 146.4 nm (with a decay time of less than 600 ps). The formation of excitation spectra for the f-f and f-d transitions in the Er³⁺ ion is discussed.     

Li-impurity effect in optical spectra of KTaO<Subscript>3</Subscript>:Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> crystals

The optical properties of one-dimensional photonic crystals based on porous anodic aluminum oxide films have been studied by measuring transmittance and specular reflectance spectra in the visible and UV spectral regions. Angular dependences of the spectral positions of optical stop bands are obtained. It is shown that the reflectance within the first stop band varies from point to point on the sample surface, reaching a level of 98–99% at some points. The dispersion relation for electromagnetic waves in the model of infinite periodic structure is calculated for the samples under study. The possibility of using models with an infinite or finite number of layers to calculate reflectance spectra near the first optical stop band is discussed.     

Spectroscopic studies of erbium-doped potassium-lead double chloride crystals KPb<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>5</Subscript>:Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>: 1. Optical spectra and relaxation of excited states of the erbium ion in potassium-lead double chloride crystals

Optical spectra, intensities of radiative and nonradiative transitions, and luminescence kinetics in erbium-doped potassium-lead double chloride crystals KPb₂Cl₅:Er³⁺s(KPC:Er³⁺) were investigated. The crystals were grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Their absorption and luminescence spectra were studied experimentally. The crystal-matrix absorption edge was determined at 80 and 300 K. Intensity parameters, radiative transition probabilities, branching ratios, and nonradiative relaxation rates were estimated by the Judd-Ofelt method. The luminescence kinetics from the emitting levels ⁴ G _11/2, ² G _9/2, ⁴ S _3/2, and ⁴ F _9/2 upon selective excitation was studied.     

Luminescence and energy transfer mechanism in Eu<Superscript>3+</Superscript>/Tb<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-co-doped ZrO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanocrystal rods

Nanocrystal rods of Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺-co-doped ZrO₂ were synthesized using a simple chemical precipitation technique. Both ions were successfully doped into the Zr⁴⁺ ion site in a mixed structure containing both monoclinic and tetragonal phases. The Eu³⁺ or Tb³⁺ singly doped zirconia produced red and green luminescence which are characteristics of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions, respectively. The co-doped zirconia samples produced blue emission from defect states transitions in the host ZrO₂, red and green luminescence from dopant ions giving cool to warm white light emissions. The phosphors were efficiently excited by ultraviolet and near-ultraviolet/blue radiations giving white and red light, respectively. The decay lifetime was found to increase with increasing donor ion concentration contrary to conventional observations reported by previous researchers. Weak quadrupole–quatdrupole multipolar process was responsible for energy transfer from Tb³⁺ (donor) ion to Eu³⁺ ion. No energy back-transfer from Eu³⁺ to Tb³⁺ ion was observed from the excitation spectra. Temperature-dependent photoluminescence shows the presence of defects at low temperature, but these defects vanished at room temperature and beyond. The Eu³⁺/Tb³⁺-co-doped ZrO₂ nanocrystal rod is a potential phosphor for white light application using UV as an excitation source. Thermoluminescence measurements show that the inclusion of Tb³⁺ ion increases trap depths in the host zirconia.     

Spectroscopic properties of Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions in LiNbO<Subscript>3</Subscript> crystals codoped with HfO<Subscript>2</Subscript>

The results of the spectroscopic analysis of transition strengths for Er³⁺ ions in a series of Hf:Er:LiNbO₃ crystals with variable Hf content and fixed Er content are reported. Unpolarized UV-VIS-NIR absorption spectra, upconversion fluorescence spectra excited at 800 nm, and microsecond time-resolved spectra excited at 400 nm and 800 nm by 800 nm femtosecond laser were measured at room temperature. The HfO₂ incorporation has influence on Er³⁺ radiative lifetimes, and fluorescence branching ratios. For Hf(4 mol %):Er(1 mol %):LiNbO₃, Ω₂=2.63×10^-20 cm², Ω₄=2.86×10^-20 cm², and Ω₆=0.72×10^-20 cm². Ω₂<Ω₄ is contrary to the Er³⁺ general trend of Ω₂>Ω₄>Ω₆ when the Hf content is below its threshold concentration. In addition, the sum of Ω increases with the Hf content when the HfO₂ content below 6 mol % is unfamiliar. The upconversion mechanism is discussed in this work. PACS 71.20.Eh; 77.84.Dy; 42.62.Fi; 42.65.Ky     

Luminescence characteristics of energy transfer between Ce<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Eu<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in NaMgPO<Subscript>4</Subscript> phosphor

Powder samples of NaMgPO₄ doped with Eu²⁺ and Ce³⁺ were prepared and their photoluminescence spectra were systemically studied. Energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Eu²⁺ in NaMgPO₄ phosphor was observed by investigating the optical properties from photoluminescence spectra in Eu²⁺ or Ce³⁺ singly doped and Eu²⁺–Ce³⁺ codoped sodium magnesium orthophosphates, NaMgPO₄. The enhancement of UV excitation is attributed to energy transfer from Ce³⁺ to Eu²⁺, and Ce³⁺ plays a role as a sensitizer. Ce³⁺–Eu²⁺ codoped NaMgPO₄ phosphors in which Eu²⁺ can be efficiently excited by 390 nm are potential candidates for phosphor-converted LEDs.     

Thermal quenching of luminescence of BaY<Subscript>2</Subscript>F<Subscript>8</Subscript> crystals activated with Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> and Tm<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions

Thermal quenching of interconfigurational 5d-4f luminescence of Er³⁺ and Tm³⁺ ions in BaY₂F₈ crystals is studied in the temperature range of 330–790 K. The quenching temperatures are ~575 and ~550 K for Er³⁺ and Tm³⁺, respectively. It is shown that quenching of 5d-4f luminescence of Tm³⁺ ions is caused by thermally stimulated ionization of 5d electrons to the conduction band.     

Intensities of hypersensitive transitions in garnet crystals doped with Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript> ions

We examine the oscillator strengths and the intensity parameters Ω _t (t = 2, 4, 6) of yttrium-aluminum, scandium-containing, and gallium garnet crystals doped with Er³⁺ ions. A comparative analysis of the oscillator strengths and the intensity parameters Ω _t (t = 2, 4, 6) of garnets with different contents of Al³⁺ and Sc³⁺ ions (Gd_2.4Er_0.5Sc_1.8Al_3.3O₁₂, Gd_2.4Er_0.5Sc_1.9Al_3.2O₁₂, Gd_2.4Er_0.5Sc_2.0Al_3.1O₁₂) is performed, as a result of which the oscillator strengths and the intensity parameters Ω _t (t = 2, 4, 6) of these crystals are shown to have close values. We find that Ca₃(NbGa)₅O₁₂ crystals doped with Er³⁺ ions are characterized by highest values of the oscillator strengths for hypersensitive transitions and of the intensity parameter Ω₂ of Er³⁺ ions compared to the values of these quantities in the examined garnet crystals, which is determined by the fact that the symmetry of the local environment of Er³⁺ ions in these crystals is C ₁, C ₂, or C _2ν. We reveal that, as the concentration of Er³⁺ ions in these crystals increases from 1 to 39 at %, both the oscillator strength of the hypersensitive transition ⁴ I _15/2 → ² H _11/2 of Er³⁺ ions and their intensity parameter Ω₂ tend to decrease, which can be related to an increase in the relative fraction of Er³⁺ ions with higher symmetry of the local environment.     

Synthesis and characterization of mono-dispersed Y<Subscript>3</Subscript>Al<Subscript>5</Subscript>O<Subscript>12</Subscript>:Er<Superscript>3+</Superscript>-coated SiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> nanoparticles by co-precipitation process

In this paper, a facile co-precipitation process for preparing mono-dispersed core–shell structure nanoparticles is reported. The 110 nm SiO₂ cores coated with an yttrium aluminum garnet (Y₃Al₅O₁₂) layer doped with Er³⁺ were synthesized and the influence of the concentration ratio of [urea]/[metal ions] on the final product was investigated. The structure and morphology of samples were characterized by the X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The results indicate that a layer of well-crystallized garnet Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Er³⁺ were successfully coated on the silica particles with the thickness of 20 nm. The near infrared and upconversion luminescent spectra of the SiO₂@Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Er³⁺ powders further confirm that a Y₃Al₅O₁₂:Er³⁺ coating layer has formed on the surface of silica spherical particles.