Synergistic upconversion effect in NaYF4:Yb,Tm nanorods under dual excitation of 980 nm and 808 nm

NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ nanorods are prepared with hydrothermal method. The upconversion luminescent properties are investigated under dual excitation of 980 nm and 808 nm. The blue emission is observed at about 475 nm under dual excitation. The intensity is 2.6 times higher than the total intensity of the two corresponding single wavelength excitations, showing a synergistic upconversion effect occurring there. The dual wavelength excitation not only effectively decreases non-radiative relaxation pumped by 980 nm but also reduces the rate of the back energy transfer from Tm³⁺ to Yb³⁺ pumped by 808 nm. The result provides a possible new way to further improve the upconversion efficiency of rare earth doped phosphor.