Photon upconversion-based non-invasive temperature sensing using Gd1-x-yYbxEr yScO3 perovskite nanocrystals

High thermal stability, high bandgap, and low phonon energy (452 cm-1) of GdScO3 perovskite make it ideal for optical applications, particularly for infrared (IR)-to-visible photon upconversion (UC) emission. This phase has been typically synthesized either in single crystal or in thin film forms which require high temperatures and a longer time. Thin films/single crystals of GdScO3 have limited optical application mostly as lasing material. Unexpectedly, the photon UC-based emission and correlated applications are completely ignored in this host so far. Herein, we have successfully synthesized pristine and Yb3+, Er3+ co-doped GdScO3 nanocrystals (powder) at low temperatures and further analyzed their crystal structure, phase, and optical absorption and emission properties at length. The photon-UC property in GdScO3 nanocrystal has been studied for the first time. Further, the material has been used for the non-contact luminescence-based temperature sensor application also. Our study shows that the maximum relative sensitivity (Sr) and ab-solute sensitivity (Sa) obtained for Yb3+, Er3+: GdScO3 nanocrystal is better than most of the reported oxide-based perovskite materials.(c) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

GdScO3 perovskite exhibits high thermal stability, high bandgap, and low phonon energy, making it ideal for optical applications such as infrared-to-visible photon upconversion emission. In this study, pristine and Yb3+, Er3+ co-doped GdScO3 nanocrystals were successfully synthesized at low temperatures, and their crystal structure, phase, and optical properties were analyzed. It was found that GdScO3 nanocrystals exhibit photon upconversion properties and can be used for non-contact luminescence-based temperature sensing.