Yb3+/Er3+−codoped GeO2–PbO–PbF2 glass ceramics for ratiometric upconversion temperature sensing based on thermally and non-thermally coupled levels

Abstract

The contactless real-time temperature sensing technique with high temporal and spatial resolution is in high demand for the countless applications. Here, the Yb3+/Er3+−codoped GeO2–PbO–PbF2 glass ceramics synthesized via the melt-quenching technique has been presented as an optical thermometer. The thermal sensing was designed based on the temperature dependent fluorescence intensity ratios of thermally (2H11/2 and 4S3/2) and non-thermally (2H11/2 and 4F9/2) coupled Er3+ levels. The ratiometric techniques provide the thermal sensing within the temperature range of 300–466 K. The absolute and relative thermal sensitivities as well as the temperature resolution were calculated and compared with other Yb3+/Er3+-doped materials. The temperature of the microelectronic component on the printed circuit board was defined using the optical thermometry as a proof of concept revealing Yb3+/Er3+−codoped GeO2–PbO–PbF2 phosphor to be a promising candidate for precise non-contact thermal sensor.