Wide-range thermometry and up-conversion luminescence of Ca5(PO4)3F:Yb3+/Er3+ transparent glass ceramics

Ca-5(PO4)(3)F:Yb3+/Er3+ glass ceramics (GCs) were successfully manufactured via traditional controlled crystallization method. The structural, optical and up-conversion (UC) illuminant properties were systemically investigated by XRD, TEM, HRTEM, fluorescence spectra and luminescence lifetime measurements. The results show that Ca-5(PO4)(3)F:Yb3+/Er3+ nanocrystals has been precipitated from the precursor glass matrix and the UC luminescence mechanism of PG and GC660 is two-photon process. The enhanced UC emission intensity and extended lifetime of Er3+ is observed in the GCs. Using the temperature dependent fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of thermally coupled emitting states (S-4(3/2), H-2(11/2)) as thermometric index, Ca-5(PO4)(3)F:Yb3+/Er3+ GCs present wide temperature-sensing range (298-798K) and high absolute sensitivity (51.9x10(-4)K(-1) at 600K). This finding suggests that Ca-5(PO4)(3)F:Yb3+/Er(3+)GC materials are promising in optical temperature measurement field.