Gd–Er interaction promotes NaGdF4:Yb, Er as a new candidate for high-power density applications

Abstract

High-power density applications using up-conversion (UC) systems rely mostly on the Yb, Tm lanthanide couple. Herein, we investigate the extent to which Gd high energy levels can enhance the four-order UC process in NaGdF₄:Yb, Er under pulsed excitation, making the Yb, Er UC system suitable for high power density applications. Unlike cw excitation, pulsed laser excitation enables higher equivalent power densities with reduced local heating effects. We found that Gd upholds the saturation level by one order of magnitude in NaGdF₄:Yb, Er@NaYF₄ compared to NaYF₄:Yb, Er@NaYF₄ nanoparticles, i.e., from 5 × 10⁶ to 5 × 10⁷ W cm⁻². Such an effect is determined by efficient two-step Er–Gd energy transfer, in which the Gd levels, populated by four-order Yb–Er processes, act further as the long(est)-lived reservoir level for Er UC emissions. Notably, above 10⁸ W cm⁻², NaGdF₄:Yb, Er@NaYF₄ shows similar performance to NaGdF₄:Yb, Tm@NaYF₄ in terms of UC photon order, which is considered a direct indicator of spatial resolution in high power density applications. Our results showcase the promise of the Yb, (Gd) Er UC system for high power density applications, thus stimulating research for expanding the presently limited range of applicable UC systems.