Nonlinear Optical Thermometry-A Novel Temperature Sensing Strategy via Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) and Upconversion Luminescence in BaTiO3:Ho3+,Yb3+ Perovskite

Nonlinear optical spectroscopy may be a powerful tool for sensing of various intrinsic properties of materials and different state functions of the system. This is due to the strong dependence of nonlinear phenomena on numerous physicochemical factors. The feasibility of simultaneously employing the second harmonic generation (SHG) and upconversion luminescence (UCL) processes in BaTiO3:Ho3+,Yb3+ for optical temperature sensing is demonstrated for the first time. Under 976 nm laser excitation, the evolution of the SHG and UCL band intensity ratio is correlated with temperature and calibrated within the temperature range of 25-305 degrees C. The band intensity ratio between SHG and UCL exhibits a sigmoidal dependence on temperature, and, hence, it can allow the detection of phase transitions from non-centrosymmetric to centrosymmetric systems, and vice versa. Most importantly, from the perspective of optical temperature sensing, this work provides a novel and effective strategy for nonlinear optical thermometry, with high sensitivity of up to 2.78% degrees C-1.

Automated summary

Nonlinear optical spectroscopy is a powerful tool for sensing intrinsic properties and system state functions, with strong dependence on physicochemical factors. This study demonstrates the feasibility of using SHG and UCL processes in BaTiO3:Ho3+,Yb3+ for optical temperature sensing, providing a novel strategy with high sensitivity. The intensity ratio between SHG and UCL shows a sigmoidal dependence on temperature, enabling the detection of phase transitions in systems.