Luminescence Thermometry Research Articles

Readout Methods to Enhance the Performance of Luminescence Thermometers

Over the past three decades, luminescence thermometry has gained significant attention among researchers and practitioners. The method has progressed in terms of utilizing temperature-sensitive luminescent materials, obtaining temperature read-outs from luminescence, developing applications, and improving performance. This paper reviews and critically analyzes routes for improving luminescence thermometry performance, in particular the sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the method. These include the use of highly temperature-sensitive probes, temperature read-outs from luminescence with improved sensitivity, multiparameter temperature-reading methods, the applications of principal component analysis and artificial neural networks, and sensor fusion.

Rethinking Assumptions: Assessing the Impact of Strong Magnetic Fields on Luminescence Thermometry.

Luminescence (nano)thermometry has exploded in popularity, offering a remote detection way to measure temperature across diverse fields like nanomedicine, microelectronics, catalysis, and plasmonics. A key advantage is its supposed immunity to strong electromagnetic fields, a crucial feature in many environments. However, this assumption lacks comprehensive experimental verification as most of the proposed luminescent thermometers rely on magnetic ions, such as lanthanides. Here, we address this gap by critically examining the thermometric response of the luminescent molecular thermometer [Tb0.93Eu0.07(bpy)2(NO3)3] (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) under high magnetic fields (up to 58 T). Our findings reveal that the conventional intensity-based method for Tb/Eu luminescent thermometers fails even under weak magnetic fields. However, careful data analysis identified specific transitions with minimal magnetic correlation, enabling the thermometer to operate across the entire temperature range up to 20 T, and with larger fields for temperatures exceeding 120 K. This study highlights the strong dependence of thermometric performance on material properties, urging caution, but also offers a path forward for developing robust luminescent thermometers in such environments.

Luminescence Thermometry with Eu3+-Doped Y2Mo3O12: Comparison of Performance of Intensity Ratio and Machine Learning Temperature Read-Outs.

Accurate temperature measurement is critical across various scientific and industrial applications, necessitating advancements in thermometry techniques. This study explores luminescence thermometry, specifically utilizing machine learning methodologies to enhance temperature sensitivity and accuracy. We investigate the performance of principal component analysis (PCA) on the Eu3+-doped Y2Mo3O12 luminescent probe, contrasting it with the traditional luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) method. By employing PCA to analyze the full emission spectra collected at varying temperatures, we achieve an average accuracy (ΔT) of 0.9 K and a resolution (δT) of 1.0 K, significantly outperforming the LIR method, which yielded an average accuracy of 2.3 K and a resolution of 2.9 K. Our findings demonstrate that while the LIR method offers a maximum sensitivity (Sr) of 5‱ K⁻1 at 472 K, PCA's systematic approach enhances the reliability of temperature measurements, marking a crucial advancement in luminescence thermometry. This innovative approach not only enriches the dataset analysis but also sets a new standard for temperature measurement precision.

Multicolor luminescence and high efficient optical thermometric performance of Eu3+ and Sm3+ in self-activated Na2LuMg2V3O12 garnet

To develop efficient luminescence and optical thermometry materials for color display and non-contact temperature measurement, novel RE3+ (RE = Eu, Sm) doped self-activated Na2LuMg2V3O12 phosphors were prepared by a typical solid-state reaction method. Their crystal structure, morphology, multi-color luminescence and temperature sensing properties were elaborately investigated. Under UV light excitation, an intense and broad green-yellow emission band from VO43– group is observed in the Na2LuMg2V3O12 matrix, indicating its potential application in solid state lighting. After the incorporation of Eu3+ and Sm3+ ions, efficient energy transfer (ET) from VO43– group to Eu3+/Sm3+ ions occurs and the emission color of the samples can be readily tuned among different color ranges. Besides, based on the change of luminescence intensity and lifetimes of VO43– group in Na2LuMg2V3O12:Eu3+ and Na2LuMg2V3O12:Sm3+, the ET efficiency was analyzed and the mechanism is illustrated. Finally, large discrepancy between the thermal stability of VO43– group and Eu3+/Sm3+ ions are observed in the temperature-dependent emission spectra of Na2LuMg2V3O12:Eu3+ and Na2LuMg2V3O12:Sm3+. By taking advantage of the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) between VO43– group and Eu3+/Sm3+ ions in Na2LuMg2V3O12:0.01Eu3+ and Na2LuMg2V3O12:0.07Sm3+, two new types of optical thermometry mediums were designed and their basic temperature sensing parameters were calculated.

Sm3+-doped oxygen-rich AlN film: Probing luminescence thermometry and evidencing energy transfer via Sm-O pairs

Sm3+-doped oxygen-rich AlN film: Probing luminescence thermometry and evidencing energy transfer via Sm-O pairs

Comparison of YAG:Nd3+-Yb3+ nanothermometers synthesized by Pechini and solvothermal methods

Luminescence intensity ratio-based nanothermometry is a widely studied thermal sensing technique in the literature. Regarding biological purposes, it is essential to have thermal probes that are efficient in this type of environment. Thermal bioprobes demand highly crystallized nanocrystals, commonly smaller than 100 nm, with luminescence emissions in the near-infrared range that are not significantly absorbed by biological tissues. Several nanomaterials that have been studied for nanothermometry do not meet the requirements for this type of applications. Accordingly, researches are needed to develop suitable and reliable nanothermometers for thermal sensing. Therefore, our goal was to investigate the impact of Nd3+-Yb3+ co-doping on the thermometric performance of YAG matrix, a promising crystal because it presents a host structure favoring the insertion of lanthanide ions, which provide its luminescent features. In order to achieve this purpose, we first synthesized YAG:Nd3+-Yb3+ nanocrystals through a generic route - called modified Pechini method - to screen their thermal properties. Our results show that YAG:Nd3+-Yb3+ nanocrystals have the potential to work in vivo environments. The nanothermometers investigated here are excited in the first biological window (BW-I) at 805 nm with luminescence emissions within the BW-II, at 1030.5 and 1064 nm. By co-doping the YAG matrix with different Nd3+-Yb3+ concentrations, we studied the energy transfer process between the dopant ions and their impact on thermometry efficiency. By the efficient coupling of the Nd3+-Yb3+ pair, we improved the Sr value by a factor of 3 of YAG compounds up to 0.6 %.K−1. We then synthesized YAG:Nd3+-Yb3+ nanocrystals using a second type of synthesis, by solvothermal means, in order to obtain individual nanocrystals, well dispersed in aqueous solutions, and to adapt their morphology and size for biological purposes. Therefore, we compared the structural and luminescence properties and thermometry efficiencies of YAG:Nd3+-Yb3+ nanocrystals obtained through two distinct processes and showed that the nanothermometry properties are not affected by the synthesis method.

Sub-∘C-precision temperature imaging using phase-shift luminescence thermometry

Abstract This work explores the potential of luminescence thermometry to provide temperature imaging with high temperature resolution using the phase-shift method. Phosphor thermometry has been widely used for temperature imaging, especially with the decay-time method. However, the phase-shift method was rarely used. In this approach, excitation is modulated in time, and due to the temperature-dependent luminescence dynamics of the painted luminescent probe, the emission waveform is phase-shifted with respect to the excitation waveform. Initially, a parametric study was performed on the effect of excitation waveform frequency and shape, based on a millisecond-decay time phosphor. The study found that the best precision is achieved with a square waveform at a frequency such that the phase shift is π 4 at the target temperature. Then, this method was compared with the well-established decay-time method. Phase-shift method offered a three-fold improvement in temperature precision under identical peak excitation power. Finally, two-dimensional measurements were demonstrated on a temperature-controlled plate using a high speed CMOS camera, and an LED illumination. A temperature precision of 0.13 ∘C was obtained at a temporal resolution of 0.25 s and a spatial resolution of around 1 mm, due to a pre-processing binning of 7 by 7 pixels. This technique can be used as a robust alternative to infrared thermometry to probe the thermal processes with small temperature differences.

Multi-Wavelength Excitable Multicolor Upconversion and Ratiometric Luminescence Thermometry of Yb3+/Er3+ Co-Doped NaYGeO4 Microcrystals.

Excitation wavelength controllable lanthanide upconversion allows for real-time manipulation of luminescent color in a composition-fixed material, which has been proven to be conducive to a variety of applications, such as optical anti-counterfeiting and information security. However, current available materials highly rely on the elaborate core-shell structure in order to ensure efficient excitation-dependent energy transfer routes. Herein, multicolor upconversion luminescence in response to both near-infrared I and near-infrared II (NIR-I and NIR-II) excitations is realized in a novel but simple NaYGeO4:Yb3+/Er3+ phosphor. The remarkably enhanced red emission ratio under 1532 nm excitation, compared with that under 980 nm excitation, could be attributed to the Yb3+-mediated cross-relaxation energy transfers. Moreover, multi-wavelength excitable temperature-dependent (295-823 K) upconversion luminescence realizes a ratiometric thermometry relying on the thermally coupled levels (TCLs) of Er3+. Detailed investigations demonstrate that changing excitation wavelength makes little difference for the performances of TCL-based ratiometric thermometry of NaYGeO4:Yb3+/Er3+. These findings gain more insights to manipulate cross-relaxations for excitation controllable upconversion in single activator doped materials and benefit the cognition of the effect of excitation wavelength on ratiometric luminescence thermometry.

Precision across temperatures: Eu/Tb luminescent thermometer with exceptionally high and stable sensitivity from 180 to 320 K

Luminescence thermometry, leveraging the temperature-dependent luminescent properties of coordination compounds, offers precise and remote temperature measurement. However, many existing luminescent thermometers exhibit a narrow peak in temperature sensitivity, restricting their effective operating range. In this study, we synthesized new complexes [LnL2(NO3)(TPPO)2], where Ln = Eu (1), Tb (2), Gd (3), Tb0.94Eu0.06 (4), (HL - 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(furan-2-yl) butan-1,3-dione, TPPO - triphenylphosphine oxide, which demonstrate an exceptionally wide and stable range of maximum temperature sensitivity of 3 %×K−1, spanning from 180 to 320 K. Furthermore, the temperature uncertainty remained low and stable across the same temperature region, ensuring reliable measurements. An unusual behavior was observed in the ion-to-ion energy transfer process rate constant, which exhibited an additional peak between 120 and 180 K. This phenomenon warrants further investigation to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. The obtained results allow for creation of new highly efficient luminescent thermometers tailored for specific complex applications, including cryobiology and microfluidics.

Ultra-sensitive low-temperature luminescent thermometry based on Boltzmann behavior of the Stark sub-levels of Pr3+

The cryogenic sensor is critical for numerous applications such as cryobiology, aerospace space probes, and solid-state superconducting quantum technology. However, it is still a challenge to operate at temperatures below 100 K using luminescent intensity ratio (LIR) thermometers with typical thermal coupling levels based on the Boltzmann mechanism. In this work, a sensitive low-temperature luminescence thermometry approach has been developed utilizing Boltzmann behavior of the Stark sub-levels of Pr3+. Spectral Stark-splitting feature of the 1D2 multiplet of Pr3+ was observed in CaNb2O6: Pr3+ phosphor, and the luminescence intensity ratio (LIR) of high state (Stark sub-level (2)) and low state (Stark sub-level (0)) of 1D2 was employed for temperature sensing, resulting in a notable relative sensitivity (Sr) of 11.3 % K−1 at 60 K. In addition, the intervalence charge transfer (IVCT)-based strategy improves the temperature sensitivity above room temperature with maximum Sr up to 1.54 % K−1 at 420 K. This work consistently demonstrate high sensitivity at low temperature, indicating potential applications in cryogenic temperature sensor. These results provide a route to the development of luminescent thermometers with a high sensitivity at low temperatures and a wide range of operating temperatures.

Quantum yield and thermal sensitivity of SrGd2O4:Yb, Tm up-conversion nanoparticles

Luminescence thermometry is an effective method for temperature measurements using the remote operating mode. In this work, a series of Tm3+ (1 at%) and Yb3+ (2, 4, and 6 at%) ions doped SrGd2O4 up-conversion (UC) nanoparticles were synthesized by the modified sol-gel method, and fully characterized toward optimization of their composition and optical characteristic. Crystallization of single-phase nanoparticles with homogeneous doping was confirmed by XRPD, TEM/HRTEM, and STEM/EDS analysis in all samples, independently of their stoichiometry. The UC emissions recorded under 976 nm excitation revealed typical Tm3+ transitions, showing that the optimal sensitizer doping concentration is 4 at%. For this sample, a lifetime of 342 μs, and a total quantum yield of 1.12 % were determined at room temperature for the emission observed in the Vis part of up-conversion spectra. The temperature-dependent emission spectra, measured from 263 to 363 K, implied its excellent temperature-sensing capabilities. The luminescent intensity ratio (LIR) was employed for blue I479/485 and IR I795/807 Tm3+ emissions. The absolute and relative temperature sensitivity continuously decreases with the increase of the temperature, showing the values of 4.05x10−3 K-1 and 0.41 % K−1 (for blue) and 3.8x10−3 K-1 and 0.31 % K−1 (for IR) at the temperature of 300 K. The results indicate that SrGd2O4 doped with 4 % Yb3+ and 1 % Tm3+ may be employed for reliable temperature measurement over an investigated temperature range.

Unraveling the photophysical response of BaLaLiTeO6:Dy3+ double perovskites with excellent thermal stability for colour tunable LEDs and optical thermometry

The quest for reliable phosphors has accelerated amidst a growing demand for cost-effective, high-performance multifunctional phosphors. Incorporating thermometric application into double perovskite phosphors can enhance their multifaceted features for diverse applications. The present work endeavours to develop a series of BaLaLiTeO6:Dy3+ double perovskites via a solid-state reaction route, stressing their application in next-generation colour-tunable LEDs and non-contact luminescence thermometry. X-ray diffraction, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy analysis were done to make inferences about the structural modifications induced by the substitution of Dy3+ at the La3+ site of BaLaLiTeO6. An extensive investigation of optical characteristics was carried out by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, photoluminescence spectroscopy and decay curve analysis. Prominent photometric parameters were also evaluated to assess the commercial feasibility of the developed phosphors in photonic applications. Judd-Ofelt parameters were estimated from the photoluminescence excitation spectra of BaLaLiTeO6:Dy3+ for the first time. Furthermore, the values of radiative parameters, fluorescence decay time and quantum efficiency suggested the suitability of the developed phosphor as a competent material. A comprehensive analysis of BaLaLiTeO6:Dy3+ as a thermographic phosphor was done by temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectroscopy. The potential use of this material in luminescence temperature sensing was probed by estimating the thermometric figures of merit based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR). An absolute sensitivity of 22.17 × 10−4 K−1 was achieved at a temperature of 500 K and a remarkable maximum relative sensitivity of 2.34 %K−1 was attained at 250 K, which is much higher than other Dy3+ substituted thermographic phosphors. All these culminated features of BaLaLiTeO6:Dy3+ phosphor proved their prospective applications in thermally stable colour-tunable LEDs, wLEDs and as non-contact optical temperature sensors.

Distortion Engineering: A Strategy to Modulate Molecular Upconversion with Molecular Cluster-Aggregates.

The rational engineering of molecules is a powerful chemistry tool of pivotal importance in the fields of molecular magnetism and luminescence. Hence, systems that can be modulated via molecular engineering and composition control are expected to present extra versatility regarding the tunability of their properties. This is the case with molecular cluster aggregates (MCAs), high nuclearity molecular compounds. Herein, we demonstrate how the union of both strategies, namely, composition control and molecular engineering, can be employed to enhance molecular upconversion in MCAs. This was achieved by doping a {Gd8Er2Yb10} MCA with CeIII ions. By replacement of the optically silent GdIII ions with CeIII, the upconversion mechanism is modified due to CeIII-mediated cross-relaxation. In addition to this effect, we could also engineer the degree of metal site distortion due to the larger size of CeIII ions, relaxing the selection rules and impacting the upconversion quantum yield and luminescent thermometry. Opto-structural correlations demonstrate that the presented molecular engineering strategy can be used to enhance the performance of molecular upconverters.

Improved thermometry via luminescence lifetime ratio of Er3+ and Tm3+ operated in the biological window

The luminescent intensity ratio of Lanthanide-doped nanocrystals has been widely used for non-contact thermometry but is still facing difficulties in biological applications due to spectrum distortion caused by tissues. Lifetime-based thermometry is the best alternative to other typical thermometry methods. However, its main drawback is the limited sensitivity. This paper introduces an innovative method known as luminescence lifetime ratio, which enhances luminescence thermometry by combining two emission bands with opposite decay behaviors with temperature. As a proof of concept, a core-shell structure separately containing Tm3+ and Er3+ was synthesized and exhibited two strong emission bands centered at 800 nm and 1530 nm, which are located in the NIR-I and NIR-III biological windows. The commonly used LIR thermometer, an Er/Yb co-doped NaYF4 sample, was also synthesized for comparison. By using chicken tissues of varying thicknesses (1 mm and 3 mm), it was revealed that the deep-tissue penetration and accuracy in biological environments of luminescence lifetime ratio are evidently improved than the widely-used technique of luminescence intensity ratio, although the relative sensitivity of is not much better. In summary, the luminescence lifetime ratio technique enables novel and more accurate temperature sensing within the wavelength range that is suitable for biological applications.

La3Sc2Ga3O12:Cr3+, Nd3+ near-infrared phosphor for nondestructive detection and luminescence thermometry

To develop continuous broadband emission near-infrared (NIR) phosphors compatible with blue LED chips, numerous Cr3+-Yb3+ co-doped phosphors have been synthesized. However, the emission spectra of Cr3+ vary significantly across different matrix materials, while Yb3+ maintains a relatively stable emission spectrum. This variation leads to notable luminescence depressions between 850 and 900 nm in many Cr3+-Yb3+ co-doped phosphors. To address this emission spectrum gap, we utilized Cr3+ as a sensitizer and introduced Nd3+ as the luminescence center within the La3Sc2Ga3O12 matrix material, establishing a Cr3+-Nd3+ energy transfer channel. Under 480 nm excitation, we tuned emission peaks at 800 nm (Cr3+) and 881 nm (Nd3+). The stable NIR emission of Nd3+ effectively compensates for the missing spectrum in Cr3+-Yb3+ co-doping. The Cr3+-Nd3+ energy transfer process was thoroughly analyzed using diffuse reflection spectrum, excitation spectrum, and fluorescence decay curves. The LSGO:0.125Cr3+, 0.03Nd3+ compound with the best optical performance was packaged with a 480 nm LED chip to create a NIR light source. At a working current of 10 mA, it achieved a photoelectric conversion efficiency of 9.45 %, demonstrating its potential for applications in non-destructive detection and luminescence thermometry. This work presents a novel strategy for tuning NIR spectral distribution and developing continuous broadband NIR phosphors.

Structure-Dopant Concentration Relations in Europium-Doped Yttrium Molybdate and Peak-Sharpening for Luminescence Temperature Sensing.

A set of Eu3+-doped molybdates, Y2-xEuxMo3O12 (x = 0.04; 0.16; 0.2; 0.4; 0.8; 1; 1.6; 2), was synthesized using a solid-state technique and their properties studied as a function of Eu3+ concentration. X-ray diffraction showed that the replacement of Y3+ with larger Eu3+ resulted in a transformation from orthorhombic (low doping concentrations) through tetragonal (high doping concentrations), reaching monoclinic structure for full replacement in Eu2Mo3O12. The intensity of typical Eu3+ red emission slightly increases in the orthorhombic structure then rises significantly with dopant concentration and has the highest value for the tetragonal Y2Mo3O12:80mol% Eu3+. Further, the complete substitution of Y3+ with Eu3+ in the case of monoclinic Eu2Mo3O12 leads to decreased emission intensity. Lifetime follows a similar trend; it is lower in the orthorhombic structure, reaching slightly higher values for the tetragonal structure and showing a strong decrease for monoclinic Eu2Mo3O12. Temperature-sensing properties of the sample with the highest red Eu3+ emission, Y2Mo3O12:80mol% Eu3+, were analyzed by the luminescence intensity ratio method. For the first time, the peak-sharpening algorithm was employed to separate overlapping peaks in luminescence thermometry, in contrast to the peak deconvolution method. The Sr (relative sensitivity) value of 2.8 % K-1 was obtained at room temperature.

Regulating Arrhenius Activation Energy and Fluorescence Quantum Yields of AuNCs-MOF to Achieve High Temperature Sensitivity in a Wide Response Window.

Luminescent thermometry affords remote measurement of temperature and shows huge potential in future technology beyond those possible with traditional methods. Strategies of temperature measurement aiming to increase thermal sensitivity in a wide temperature response window would represent a pivotal step forward, but most thermometers cannot do both of them. Herein, we propose a balancing strategy to achieve a trade-off between high Arrhenius activation energy (Ea), which could stretch the temperature response windows, and fluorescence quantum yields (QYs) in a manner that will increase thermal sensitivity in a wide response window. In particular, a luminescent thermometer composed of AuNCs-MOF is prepared via a facile impregnation process to enhance QYs and Ea, responsible for high relative sensitivity (Sr) (15.6% K-1) and ultrawide temperature linearity range (from 83 to 343 K), respectively. Taking fluorescence intensity and lifetime as multiple parameters, the maximum Sr can reach 22.4% K-1 by multiple linear regression. The maximum Sr and temperature response range of the proposed thermometer outperform those of the most recent luminescent thermometers. The strategy of balancing Sr and thermal response range by regulating Ea and QYs enables the construction of ultra-accurate thermal sensors in the age of artificial intelligence.

Improper Background Treatment Underestimates Thermometric Performance of Rare Earth Vanadate and Phosphovanadate Nanocrystals.

Luminescence thermometry is the state-of-the-art technique for remote nanoscale temperature sensing, offering numerous promising cutting-edge applications. Advancing nanothermometry further requires rational design of phosphors and well-defined, comprehensive mathematical treatment of spectral information. However, important questions regarding improper signal processing in ratiometric luminescence thermometry are continuously overlooked in the literature. Here, we demonstrate that systematic errors arising from background/signal superposition impact the calculated thermometric quality parameters of ratiometric thermometers. We designed ultraviolet-excitable (Y,Eu)VO4 and (Y,Eu)(P,V)O4 nanocrystals showing overlapped VO4 3- and Eu3+ emissions to discuss systematically how uncorrected background emissions cause magnified (∼10×) temperature uncertainties and undervalued (∼60%) relative thermal sensitivities. Adequate separation of spectral contributions from the VO4 3- background and the Eu3+ signals via baseline correction is necessary to prevent underestimation of the thermometric performances. The described approach can be potentially extended to other luminescent thermometers to account for signal superposition, thus enabling to circumvent computation of apparent, miscalculated thermometric parameters.

Up/down-conversion luminescence and optical thermometry of Er3+-activated bismuth tellurium borate

Base on up/down-conversion luminescence with thermally coupled energy levels, Er3+-activated phosphors have been significantly promising in non-contact optical thermometry technology. In this study, a new bismuth tellurium borate-based phosphor was synthesized via replacing Bi3+ with Er3+. The structure, morphology, photoluminescence, and concentration quenching are elucidated thoroughly. Particularly, according to the temperature-dependent up/down-conversion luminescence behaviors of Er3+, the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR, 2H11/2→4I15/2 /4S3/2→4I15/2) of thermally coupled energy levels is investigated. the maximum absolute/relative sensitivities of 0.38 % K−1/0.87 % K−1 (λex = 380 nm), 0.33 % K−1/1.01 % K−1 (λex = 453 nm), and 0.37 % K−1/1.19 % K−1 (λex = 980 nm) is determined. The findings indicate that the resulting phosphor is a promising optical thermometric material.

Using Principal Component Analysis for Temperature Readings from YF3:Pr3+ Luminescence

The method of measuring temperature using luminescence by analyzing the emission spectra of Pr3+-doped YF3 using principal component analysis is presented. The Pr3+-doped YF3 is synthesized using a solid-state technique, and its single-phase orthorhombic crystal structure is confirmed using X-ray diffraction. The emission spectra measured within the 93–473 K temperature range displays characteristic Pr3+ f-f electronic transitions. The red emission from the 3P0,1→3H6,3F2 electronic transition mostly dominates the spectra. However, at low temperatures, the intensity of the green emissions from the 3P0,1→3H5, deep-red 3P0,1→3F4, and the deep-red emissions from the 3P0,1→3F4 transitions are considerably lower compared to the intensity of the red emissions. Temperature variations directly impact the photoluminescent spectra, causing a notable increase in the green and deep-red emissions from the 3P1 excited state. We utilized the entire spectrum as an input for principal component analysis, considering each temperature as an independent group of data. The first principal component explained 99.3% of the variance in emission spectra caused by temperature and we further used it as a reliable temperature indicator for luminescence thermometry. The approach has a maximum absolute sensitivity of around 0.012 K−1. The average accuracy and precision values are 0.7 K and 0.5 K, respectively.