Spectral characterization of LiYbF4 upconverting nanoparticles†
Abstract
In light of the recent developments on Yb3+-based upconverting rare-earth nanoparticles (RENPs), we have systematically explored the spectral features of LiYbF4:RE3+/LiYF4 core/shell RENPs doped with various amounts of Tm3+, Er3+, or Ho3+. Tm3+-RENPs displayed photoluminescence from the UV to near-infrared (NIR), and the dominant high-photon-order upconversion emission of these RENPs was tunable by Tm3+ doping. Similarly, Er3+- and Ho3+-RENPs with green and red upconversion showed wide color tuning, depending on the doping amount and excitation power density. From steady-state power plot and photoluminescence decay studies we have observed respective changes in upconversion photon order and average lifetime that attest to a number of cross-relaxation processes occurring at higher RE3+ doping concentration. Particularly in the case of Tm3+-RENPs, cross-relaxation promotes four- and five-photon order upconversion emission in the UV and blue spectral regions. The quantum yield of high-order upconversion emission was on par with classic Yb3+/Tm3+-doped systems, yet due to the high number of sensitizer ions in the LiYbF4 host these RENPs are expected to be brighter and thus better suited for applications such as controlled drug delivery or optogenetics. Overall, LiYbF4:RE3+/LiYF4 RENPs are promising systems to effectively generate high-order upconversion emissions, owing to excitation energy confinement within the Yb3+ network and its efficient funneling to the activator dopants.
- This article is part of the themed collections: 2020 Nanoscale HOT Article Collection and Singlet fission and photon upconversion