Single Er3+/Yb3+-Codoped Yttria Nanocrystals for Temperature Sensing: Experimental Characterization and Theoretical Modeling

In this work, Er3+/Yb3+-codoped yttria (Y2O3) nanocrystals were characterized for the first time as a thermometric probe at the single nanocrystal level using the luminescence intensity ratio technique. Nanothermometer characterization was performed by exciting the single nanoparticles with a lowpower, continuous-wave laser emitting at 980 nm, within one of the biological windows. The nanothermometer showed a relative sensitivity of 1.31% and an accuracy of 0.1 K at 300 K. The results were described by a rate equation analysis using a dual effective phonon model, which reproduced the expected phonon energy of the host matrix.

Automated summary

In this study, Er3+/Yb3+-codoped yttria nanocrystals were characterized as a thermometric probe at the single nanocrystal level using the luminescence intensity ratio technique for the first time. The nanothermometer demonstrated a relative sensitivity of 1.31% and an accuracy of 0.1 K at 300 K. The results were analyzed using a dual effective phonon model, which confirmed the expected phonon energy of the host matrix.