Exceptional modulation of upconversion and downconversion near-infrared luminescence in Tm/Yb-codoped ferroelectric nanocomposite by nanoscale engineering

The emission properties of lanthanide ions have been extensively investigated for their interesting physical processes and enormous applications. Conventional strategies have been used to modify luminescence properties such as temperature, pressure, and modifying components. However, the traditional methods are volatile and irreversible, which is unconducive for some optoelectronic applications. In this article, the electromechanical softness of the ferroelectric lattice is employed, which makes the strong coupling relationship between the electric field and the photonic properties of lanthanide ions. The emission intensity of the Tm³⁺:³H₄–⁴H₆ and ³F₄–⁴H₆ transitions was exceptionally enhanced by 2.6 and 3.2 times via ferroelectric polarization, respectively. Meanwhile, the luminescence response presents excellent reversibility and nonvolatility. This study provides a unique proposal for designing highly integrated stimuli-responsive photonic materials toward a variety of applications.