Green upconversion emission in Nd3+-Yb3+-Zn2+:Y2O3 phosphor

The Y2O3 phosphor powder codoped with Nd3+:Yb3+ ions have been synthesized through optimized combustion route. Crystalline structures of the prepared samples have been investigated by powder X-ray diffraction technique. Efficient upconversion emission in the green region upon 980 nm NIR CW diode laser excitation has been reported. The maximal enhancement in the intensity of the green upconversion emission band has been observed on codoping with Zn2+ ions in the Nd3+:Yb(3+)codoped sample. The processes responsible for such an enhancement in the green upconversion emission band which can be used for the localization and diagnosis of cancer has been explained in detail. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.