Investigation of up-conversion luminescence of Er3+ and Er3+/Yb3+ ions doped in PLZT for active electro-optical applications

Abstract

The up-conversion luminescence of Er3+ and Er3+/Yb3+ ions doped in lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) under 980 nm excitation at room temperature has been investigated. The green up-conversion luminescence at 540 and 566 nm was observed in Er3+:PLZT; the greater the concentration of Er3+ ions, the stronger the intensity. In Er3+-Yb3+:PLZT, other than the green up-conversion luminescence at 540 and 566 nm, a relatively weak red up-conversion luminescence at 668 nm was also observed. Both green and red up-conversion luminescence intensities presented an approximately quadratic dependence on excitation power, which indicated that two excitation photons are involved in the up-conversion process of Er3+:PLZT and Er3+-Yb3+:PLZT. The characteristics of PLZT ceramic material were also studied by Raman spectroscopy. This work shows a promising future for developing multifunctional up-conversion electro-optical devices using Er3+ and Er3+/Yb3+ ions doped PLZT.