Upconversion Luminescence Spectra Research Articles

Preparation and significant enhancement of upconversion luminescence of α-Ba2ScAlO5:Yb3+/Er3+ phosphors by Ca2+ ions doping

The intensity of upconversion luminescence (UCL) poses a significant challenge for oxides characterized by high phonon energy. Herein, a significant enhancement of red UCL is achieved through the introduction of an intermediate band (IB) in α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+ by Ca2+ ions doping. The absorption spectra verify the existence of the IB. The IB of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+/Ca2+ increases the host's absorption of excited photons, provides more electrons for the excitation of Er3+, and realizes the enhancement of UCL emission. The optimal concentration of Ca2+ in α-Ba2ScAlO5: 0.2Yb3+, 0.03Er3+ is 0.15. Compared with undoped Ca2+ samples, the red and green UCL intensity of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+, Er3+, 0.15Ca2+ increased by 48.2 and 10.6 times, respectively. The mechanism of Ca2+ enhanced UCL was investigated by analyzing the UCL spectra, absorption spectra and lifetime decay curves of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+/Ca2+. The temperature-dependent UCL properties of α-Ba2ScAlO5: Yb3+/Er3+/Ca2+ were also studied by the 2H11/2 (525 nm) and 4F9/2 (667 nm) energy level radiation transitions. The observed linear correlation between luminescence intensity and temperature, coupled with its high sensitivity, indicates the promising potential for temperature sensing applications. This study not only opens a new avenue for enhancing UCL but also holds significant implications for sparking widespread interest in non-contact temperature sensing applications leveraging UCL.

Photoluminescence Confocal Mapping of a Novel Nd3+/Yb3+: Zn2SiO4 Composite thin film on Si (100) Substrate Utilizing a 980nm Pumping Source.

A fixed Nd3+ and varied Yb3+ ion concentration were incorporated in a Zinc-Silicate (SZNYX) composite solution using ex-situ sol-gel solution to fabricate a novel thin film (TF) on Si (100)-substrate. The upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of the thin films were measured under 980nm laser excitation, with the most optimized result for Yb3+ ion concentration of 1.5mol%. Additionally, a 2-D photoluminescence (PL) confocal mapping of the SZNY15-TF material confirmed uniform PL distribution throughout the space under the same excitation wavelength. Structural characterization via XRD revealed the tetragonal Zn2SiO4 nano-crystalline nature of the film at three distinct annealing temperatures. Morphological characterization using the Field-emission scanning electron Microscope (FESEM) coupled with energy dispersion spectrometer (EDS) affirmed the nanoflower structure and the purity of doping purity in the samples, respectively. These findings collectively confirm the promising UCL properties of the SZNYX-TF samples, suggesting potential applications in photonic.

Defect level induced negative thermal quenching of β-Ba3LuAl2O7.5: Yb3+, Er3+ phosphor

Temperature-dependent behavior of phosphors has recently attracted significant research attention. This is due to the widespread applications of phosphors. Unfortunately, the thermal quenching effect in many phosphors greatly limits their performance at high temperatures. Herein, negative thermal quenching phosphor β-Ba3LuAl2O7.5: 0.3Yb3+, 0.03Er3+ is synthesized using the high-temperature solid-state method. X-ray Rietveld refinement and EPR results indicate the defect state of oxygen vacancy. Temperature-dependent upconversion luminescence spectra demonstrate that the green and red emission intensities increase with temperature to reach maximums at 398 K and 348 K respectively. Diffuse reflectance spectrum and downshifting luminescence spectrum prove that the defect state is near the 4F7/2 state of Er3+ ions. The defect state traps electrons at room temperature and releases them to populate the 4F7/2 state of Er3+ ion at elevated temperatures to cause the observed thermal enhancement of upconversion luminescence. This material's negative thermal quenching effect makes it a suitable candidate for applications in displays and anti-counterfeiting.

A novel single near-infrared luminescence of negative thermal quenching materials for optical temperature measurement

In recent years, upconversion (UC) luminescence has gained attention due to its unique optical properties, and the thermal response spectral characteristics of these materials have been widely utilized in various fields including temperature sensing and biomedical research. However, the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of most rare earth ions doped phosphors decreases with increasing temperature, and the visible fluorescence emission penetration is still limited. In the work, the pure phase of Yb3+ and Er3+ ions co-doped Sc2Mo3O12 was successfully prepared. The Sc2Mo3O12: Yb3+, Er3+ sample showed a single emission of UC near-infrared (NIR) light. The optimum doping concentrations of 0.2 for Yb3+ ions and 0.01 for Er3+ ions were achieved. The possible upconversion luminescence (UCL) mechanism was investigated by analysing the UCL spectra, the down-shift (DS) excitation and emission spectra of Sc2Mo3O12: Yb3+, Er3+ phosphor. The excitation path of NIR emission is mainly through Er3+ from 2H11/2 to 4I9/2 energy level. What's more, the temperature-dependent near-infrared UCL properties of sample is explored in the temperature range from 323 K to 673 K. The enhancement of upconversion luminescence intensity shows a linear relationship with increasing temperature. The study paves a new way for non-contact optical temperature measurement with single near-infrared UCL emission.

Thermal enhanced upconversion luminescent of Sc2W3O12:Yb3+/Er3+ for optical temperature measurement

In recent years, people have higher requirements for temperature measurement with the development of optical temperature measurement. Meanwhile, the emission intensity of most fluorescent materials is quenched by thermal effects as the temperature rises, making it challenging to meet the specifications of fluorescent materials employed in the field of pyrometry. In this work, the pure phase of Yb3+/Er3+ ions co-doped Sc2W3O12 phosphor was successfully prepared. Sc2W3O12: Yb3+, Er3+ samples showed strong green emission and weak red emission. The optimal doping concentrations of Yb3+ and Er3+ ions are 0.3 and 0.02, respectively. The potential upconversion luminescence (UCL) mechanism was investigated by analyzing the UCL spectra, downshift emission spectra and power dependence spectra of Yb3+/Er3+ ions co-doped Sc2W3O12. The upconversion emission excitation path is mainly through Er3+ ions from 4I11/2 absorption photon excitation to 4F7/2 energy level, then the photons of 4F7/2 relaxes to green and red emission energy levels and returns to ground state for emitting green and red light. In addition, according to the UCL green light intensity increasing with temperature, it serves as an optical temperature sensor. The temperature sensitivity of the sample was explored in the temperature range of 298 K–673 K. This study provides new materials and ideas for non-contact temperature sensing.

Excitation-dependent luminescent and optical thermometric properties of Er3+ and Yb3+ Co-doped K5Y(P2O7)2

We investigated the luminescent and optical thermometric properties of Er3+ and Yb3+ co-doped K5Y(P2O7)2 (KYP) with dependence on the excitation wavelength. To examine the role of Yb3+ ions in excitation-dependent luminescence, we synthesized three series of samples: an Er3+ singly doped KYP sample, and two Er3+ and Yb3+ co-doped KYP samples with varying concentrations of Er3+ or Yb3+. Although our samples exhibited visible and near-infrared (∼1550 nm) emissions under ultraviolet excitation, the doping with Yb3+ disturbed the luminescence of Er3+. In the case of 980 nm excitation, we identified upconversion luminescence (UCL) and 1550 nm luminescence; they were enhanced significantly via doping with Yb3+, which served as a sensitizer via energy transfer to Er3+. Our samples demonstrated excellent optical thermometric properties under 980 nm excitation compared with under ultraviolet excitation. In particular, the relative sensitivity of the UCL spectra was 1.01 %/K at 293 K. These results suggest the promising potential of using our Er3+ and Yb3+ co-doped KYP as an optical thermometer under 980 nm excitation.

Enhancement of upconversion luminescence and temperature sensing performance in Er3+/Yb3+ doped Lu2O3 and Lu2O2S phosphors by incorporation of lithium ions

A series of spherical Er3+/Yb3+ doped Lu2O3 and Lu2O2S phosphors co-doping with varying concentrations of Li+ (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 mol%) were synthesized by homogeneous precipitation method followed by direct calcination or sulfurization. The crystal structure and morphology of the as-prepared phosphors were characterized by XRD, FTIR and SEM. Meanwhile, the upconversion (UC) luminescence spectra were recorded under 980 nm laser excitation at temperatures ranging from 303 to 573 K. The incorporation of lithium ions led to an enhancement of UC luminescence intensity by about 15 times at room temperature. The introduction of Li+ could also affect the temperature sensitivity of the samples. Furthermore, optical temperature sensing of the phosphors was achieved by analyzing the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of thermally coupled levels (TCLs) and nonthermally coupled levels (non-TCLs). Impressively, utilizing the non-TCLs approach resulted in maximum Sa values of 8.80 %K−1 and 11.06 %K−1 for the Er3+/Yb3+/5 % Li+ doped Lu2O3 and Lu2O2S phosphors, leading to an approximately 17-fold and 23-fold increase compared to that of TCLs-based approach, respectively. The results of this work demonstrate the great potential of Er3+/Yb3+/Li+ doped Lu2O3 and Lu2O2S phosphors for optical thermometers.

Huge enhancement in upconversion luminescence near-infrared emission of KYb (MoO4)2: Er3+ phosphor by doping Y3+ ions

The KYb(MoO4)2: Er3+, Y3+ phosphors were synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction method. By further doping Y3+ ions, the near-infrared (NIR, 804 nm, 4I9/2 → 4I15/2) luminescence of KYb(MoO4)2: 0.1 % Er3+ phosphor is greatly enhanced. Based on the upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra, the optimal doping concentration of Y3+ ions were 7.5 %. Its near-infrared UCL intensity is about 26.9 times that of undoped Y3+ ions. Through a series of characterization methods, we find that the enhancement of NIR upconversion emission is due to the generation of defect bands. It plays a crucial role in facilitating the transfer of energy from green light level (2H11/2, 4S3/2) to red light level (4F9/2) and near-infrared level. To explain the luminescence mechanism, the power dependence, UV-VI-NIR absorption spectra, excitation spectra at 804 nm and emission spectra at 380 nm were studied. In addition, the 804 nm single near-infrared UCL intensity of KYb (MoO4)2: Er3+, Y3+ shows a linear variation with temperature in the temperature range of 298 K–673 K. The maximum sensitivity is 0.13 % K−1. This study provides a new method and theoretical support for the application of near-infrared UCL in optical temperature measurement.

Upconversion Emission and Dual-Mode Sensing Characteristics of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ Microcrystals at High and Ultralow Temperatures.

In this study, we investigate micrometer-sized NaYF4 crystals double-doped with Yb3+/Er3+ lanthanide ions, designed for temperature-sensing applications. In contrast to previous studies, which focused predominantly on the high-temperature regime, our investigation spans a comprehensive range of both high and ultralow temperatures. We explore the relationship between temperature and the upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra in both frequency and time domains. Our findings highlight the strong dependence of these spectral characteristics of lanthanide-doped NaYF4 crystals on temperature. Furthermore, we introduce a dual-mode luminescence temperature measurement technique, leveraging the upconversion emission intensity ratio for both green and red emissions. This study also examines the correlation between temperature sensing, energy level disparities, and thermal coupling in Er3+ ions across various temperature scales. Our research contributes to advancing the understanding and application of lanthanide-doped materials, setting a foundation for future innovations in temperature sensing across diverse fields.

Up-converted white light emission in Er3+ doped MgAl2O4 nanocrystals

This work presents the influence of host defect centers on the photoluminescence characteristics of Mg1−xErxAl2O4 (x = 0.005, 0.01, and 0.03) nanocrystals under UV and near-infrared (NIR) excitations. The spinel-structured nanocrystals are synthesized through the combustion method. The Rietveld refinement and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses estimated the Er3+ ion occupancy at octahedral and other random sites of the MgAl2O4 lattice, and the existence of various lattice defects. Diffuse reflectance spectra showed broad bands attributed to oxygen vacancies as well as antisite defects and sharp peaks attributed to f–f transitions of Er3+ ions. The upconversion luminescence spectra consisted of sharp emission lines, ascribed to Er3+ ions, in the green and red wavelength regions, which overlapped over the broad curve attributed to intrinsic defects. Further, the UV excited downconversion luminescence spectra showed two broad emission bands in blue–violet and red-NIR regions with a very weak Er3+ ion emission feature. This up- and downconversion emission revealed energy transfer between host and Er3+ ions via intrinsic defects. As a result, the emission color changes from bluish purple to white by varying the excitation wavelength from UV to NIR. This rare earth activated luminescence from MgAl2O4 nanocrystals would exhibit potential applications in display devices and solid-state lighting.

Exploring energy mechanisms involved in the luminescence reduction due to Ce3+ doping via core-multishell upconversion nanoparticles highly doped with Ho3+ and Yb3+

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), particularly those that are highly doped, possess outstanding properties and have demonstrated tremendous application potential. However, novel fine-tuning strategies are urgently required to enhance the upconversion luminescence (UCL) performance of UCNPs. In this study, a series of core–multishell UCNPs highly doped with Ho3+ and Yb3+ ions were synthesized via the oleate route. The X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and UCL spectra and decay times, and pump power dependency of the synthesized UCNPs were used to examine their morphology, size, and the UCL properties. Ce3+ ions were introduced to enhance Ho3+-based red UCL, and their doping strategy was also optimized based on summarized UCL trends and detailed UCL mechanism analysis. NaHoF4:Gd3+@NaGdF4:Yb3+,Ce3+@NaGdF4:Yb3+ UCNPs that had 10 mol% Ce3+ dopants in their middle shells exhibited better UCL properties than the larger traditional NaGdF4:Yb3+,Ce3+,Ho3+ UCNPs, probably because of the combined influence of the energy interactions between the Ce3+ ions and surface groups, sensitizing energy enhancement by active shells, and the positive cooperation between the Ce3+ ions and highly-doped core–shell structures. In this study, the phenomenon of UCL decrease resulting from Ce3+ ion doping was explored. Using unique core–multishell structures with highly-doped activators and sensitizers placed within and outside the structures, respectively, the UCL decrease due to Ce3+ ion doping was attributed to a competition for photons. Doping the UCNPs with Ce3+ ions near the UCNP surfaces favors Ho3+-based red UCL. Our study findings can deepen the understanding of the Ho3+-based UCL mechanisms and increase the potential uses of NaHoF4 materials in photo-induced therapy.

Rapid detection of microalgae cells based on upconversion nanoprobes.

The quantification of microalgae cells is crucial for the treatment of ships' ballast water. However, achieving rapid detection of microalgae cells remains a substantial challenge. Here, we develop a new method for rapid and effective detection of microalgae concentration by utilizing upconversion nanoprobes (UCNPs) of NaYF4:Er3+,Tm3+. Three ligands, carboxylated methoxypolyethylene glycols with 5000 and 2000 molecular weights (mPEG-COOH-5, mPEG-COOH-2) and D-gluconic acid sodium salt (DGAS), were used to convert hydrophobic UCNPs into a hydrophilic state through modification. The results show that the mPEG-COOH-5 modified UCNPs present the highest stability in an aqueous solution. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements reveal the presence of a significant number of -COOH functional groups on UCNPs after the mPEG-COOH-5 modification. These -COOH groups enhance the hydrophilicity and biocompatibility of UCNPs. The soluble UCNPs were directly mixed with microalgae, and the upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of the UCNPs were recorded immediately after thorough shaking. This greatly reduces the measurement time and could realize rapid onboard detection. In this sensing procedure, the UCNPs with red UCL functioned as energy donors, while microalgae with red absorption served as an energy acceptor. The UCL gradually diminishes with an increase in microalgae concentration based on the inner filter effect, thus establishing a relationship between UCL and microalgae concentration. The accuracy of the detection is further validated through the traditional microscope counting method. These findings pave the way for a novel rapid strategy to assess microalgae concentration using UCNPs.

Order-disorder phase transitions significantly improving the upconversion luminescence intensity of BiTa7O19:Er3+/Yb3+

BiTa7O19 (BTO) has two lattice structure, P–6C2 (188) ordered phase and P63/mcm (193) disordered phase. Ordered and disordered BTO:Er3+/Yb3+ upconversion phosphors (UCPs) were obtained by solid sintering with different temperatures. The lattice structure of all the samples was investigated by XRD, SEM and Raman spectroscopy, and upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra were tested by spectrometers. The green integral UCL intensity of the disordered BTO:Er3+/Yb3+ UCP is 60.76 times than that of the ordered sample. By comparing Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped and Er3+ single-doped UCPs with different structures, it is found that the disordered structure enhances the energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+, which may be caused by the disordered structure reducing the distance between Yb3+ and Er3+. The absolute temperature sensitivity of the sample with the highest UCL intensity is 0.01005 K-1 at 352 K. All results suggest that the disordered structure of BTO host can greatly improve green UCL intensity and the disordered BTO:Er3+/Yb3+ UCPs are suitable for the application of optical temperature measurement.

Preparation and up-conversion luminescence properties of Er: YbAG and Er: YAG single crystals

High quality optical single crystals of cubic Yb2.96Er0.04Al5O12 and Y2.96Er0.04Al5O12 were successfully prepared using the OFZ method. The 980 nm photon absorption intensity by Yb2.96Er0.04Al5O12 crystal is much larger than that in Y2.96Er0.04Al5O12 crystal, the transmission of Yb2.96Er0.04Al5O12 crystal is lower than that of Y2.96Er0.04Al5O12 crystal, because the density of Yb2.96Er0.04Al5O12 single crystal (6.604 g/cm3) is larger than that of Y2.96Er0.04Al5O12 single crystal (4.529 g/cm3). The up-conversion luminescence spectra of the crystals excited by 980 nm laser show several distinct groups of emission peaks at ∼544 and ∼556 nm, as well as ∼650 and ∼667 nm. The peak intensities of the up-conversion luminescence spectrum for the Yb2.96Er0.04Al5O12 crystal were much higher than those for the Y2.96Er0.04Al5O12 crystal. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that Yb2.96Er0.04Al5O12 single crystal may have advantages over Y2.96Er0.04Al5O12 single crystal for luminescence in solid-state lasers.

Effect of Zn2+, S2−, Mo4+ and V5+ single doped BiTa7O19:Er3+/Yb3+ on upconversion luminescence intensity under 980 nm laser excitation

On the basis of BiTa7O19 (BTO):0.1Er3+/0.4 Yb3+, Zn2+, S2−, Mo4+ and V5+ single doped upconversion phosphors (UCP) were successfully prepared by solid phase sintering. The lattice structure, particle size and diffuse reflectance spectra were measured by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and spectrophotometer. Upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of these UCP were investigated under 980 nm laser excitation with power density from 1.82 to 124.99 W/cm2. Zn2+ doped UCP can obtain the highest UCL intensity when excitation power density is less than 56.91 W/cm2, and Mo4+ doped UCP can obtain the highest UCL intensity when excitation power density is from 56.91 to 124.99 W/cm2. The UCL intensity of all samples increases first and then decreases with the increase of excitation power. By measuring UCL intensity changes with the excitation power of the UCP mixing with BN and UCP in vacuum and atmosphere, the experimental results show that the increase of temperature caused by laser excitation is the reason for the decrease of UCL intensity under high power excitation. Utilizing LIR technology, it is proven that at high power 90.95 W/cm2, Mo4+ and Zn2+ single doped can decrease and increase the UCP temperature under the same power density excitation compared with BTO:0.1Er3+/0.4 Yb3+, respectively. The maximum relative temperature sensitivity of all UCP is calculated in the range of 0.00767–0.00854 K−1 at 303 K. All experiments show that Zn2+ and Mo4+ single-doped UCP are suitable for temperature sensing and luminescence imaging under low and high-power excitation, respectively.

Color tunable upconversion luminescence from ex-situ sol-gel derived Titania-Silicate dense glass-ceramic co-doped with Pr3+-Yb3+ ion pair

Praseodymium–Ytterbium (Pr3+-Yb3+) ion pair co-doped with Silica-Titania dense glass ceramic material was synthesized by novel ex-situ sol-gel method after annealing at ca. 900 °C and investigated for their morphological, structural and luminescence characteristics. Color-tunable upconversion luminescence (UCL) are observed from varying Yb3+ (X mol%; X = 0.0, 0.7, 1.5, 3.0) and fixed Pr3+ (0.7 mol%) ions co-doped ex-situ sol-gel silicate-titania (STPYX) dense glass-ceramic (DGC) materials under 980 nm laser diode pumping source due to the transfer of energy from the Yb3+→ Pr3+ ion. An original ultra-broadband UCL spectra is achieved from the STPYX-DGC materials for excitation photon of wavelength (λex = 980 nm) for varying Yb3+ ion concentration, where the optimized UCL has been observed for material with 1.5 mol% Yb3+ ion concentration. Further, two dimensional spatially resolved photoluminescence intensity distribution study has also been performed using 2D-PL confocal mapping throughout the STPY15-DGC material for a similar excitation source. The color tunability from white to red is evident from the CIE co-ordinate of corresponding UCL spectra of the as-synthesized materials at different activator (Yb3+) ion concentrations. An intense absorption spectrum with peaks assigned to both Pr3+ and Yb3+ ions is also observed for the STPY07-DGC material.

Tremendous enhancement of green emission from Er3+/In3+ co-doped β-Ga2O3 ultrawide bandgap semiconductors

Er3+ singly doped and Er3+/In3+ co-doped gallium oxide ceramics with intense green emission were prepared using the conventional solid-state reaction method. The Ga2-x-yErxInyO3 ceramics exhibit green and red emission at 555 and 673 nm, and follow the two-photon absorption process under the excitation of 980 nm. Systematic measurements of the upconversion luminescence spectra of Ga2-x-yErxInyO3 show that the optimal doping concentrations, sintering temperature and time are x = 0.015, y = 0.035, 1250 °C, and 8 h, respectively. For a fixed Er3+ doping concentration of x = 0.015, the green emission intensity at 555 nm can be enhanced by 60 folds through 3.5 mol% In3+ doping, which is attributed to reduced non-radiative decay, enhanced energy transfer from In3+ ions to Er3+ ions via defect states, and increased photon absorption. The introduction of 3.5 mol% In3+ also increases the fluorescence lifetime by 235–272%. These observations provide compelling evidence for the presence of effective energy transfer between In3+ and Er3+ ions.

Effects of Er3+ and Yb3+ concentrations on upconversion luminescence and thermal sensing characteristics of Sc2O3:Er3+/Yb3+ phosphors

Sc2O3:Er3+(x mol%)/Yb3+(3 mol%) (x = 0.3, 0.5, 0.7) and Sc2O3:Er3+(0.5 mol%)/Yb3+(y mol%) (y = 1, 3, 5) phosphors were synthesized by CO2 laser zone-melting method. The upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of Sc2O3:Er3+/Yb3+ fluorescent materials, which were pumped by 980 nm, were measured and analyzed. The results show that the UCL intensity reaches maxima when doped with 0.5 mol% Er3+ and 3 mol% Yb3+, and the increase of Yb3+ concentration leads to reduce the ratio of green UCL to red UCL. The temperature-dependent UCL spectra of Sc2O3:Er3+/Yb3+ fluorescent materials with various Er3+ and Yb3+ concentrations were measured from 290 K to 1023 K, and the thermal sensing characteristics were revealed via the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique. The maximal relative sensitivity (SR) are almost independent of the Er3+ and Yb3+ concentration, while the maximal absolute sensitivity (SA) increases with Yb3+ concentration in the whole measurement range. Among the prepared samples, the maxima of SA and SR are achieved for the sample of Sc2O3:Er3+(0.5 mol%)/Yb3+(5 mol%)，with the values of 5.34 × 10−3 K−1 (364.1 K) and 12.5 × 10−3 K−1 (290 K), respectively. Interestingly, for Sc2O3:Er3+ (0.5 mol%)/Yb3+ (3 mol%), having the highest UCL intensity, its maximum SA and SR are 4.90 × 10−3 K−1 (371.4 K) and 11.2 × 10−3 K−1 (290 K). The wide temperature sensing range and relatively high sensitivities of the fabricated materials provide excellent potential for temperature sensing.

Thermal Effects in Up-Conversion Luminescence NaYF4: Tm3+, Yb3+ Core-Shell Nanoparticles in the Temperature Range of 18-312 K.

This work demonstrates the temperature (18-312 K) impact on Tm3+ up-conversion luminescence in core-shell structured NaYF4:Tm3+, Yb3+ nanoparticles excited at 976 nm. As the temperature decreases from room temperature to 18 K, Tm3+ up-conversion luminescence bands intensities greatly increase, an average of 60-fold, emitting intense blue and ultraviolet radiation. Tm3+ up-conversion luminescence spectra measurements at different temperatures reveal that three thermal quenching mechanisms are responsible for observed variations in Tm3+ up-conversion luminescence spectra. These three quenching mechanisms are related to the excitation radiation absorption, Stark sublevel population, and energy transfer from Yb3+ to Tm3+.

SPR studies in PVA composite films of SiO2@NaYF4:Er3+/Yb3+ UCNPs via AuNPs concentration variation and their temperature sensing applications

The composite film of mesoporous silica coated NaYF4:Er3+/Yb3+ upconversion nanoparticles and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) medium were prepared. The effect of the concentrations of AuNPs with 0 µl, 50 µl, 100 µl and 150 µl on the structure and upconversion luminescence intensity were studied. The phenomenon of enhancement in upconversion luminescence intensity due to AuNPs were explained via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) phenomenon. Apart from this the XRD, FE-SEM and AFM studies were done for estimation of structure and surface morphology etc. The impurities were estimated through FTIR analysis. The optical properties of these polymer composite films were studied via UV–vis absorption spectra and upconversion luminescence spectra analysis. A low temperature sensing ability of these films have been demonstrated for the suitability of these films in bio-medical applications.