Tunable Emission and Color Temperature of Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+-Tridoped Y2O3-ZnO Ceramic Nano-Phosphors Using Er3+ Concentration and Excitation Pump Power

In this study, a series of well-crystallized Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+-tridoped Y2O3-ZnO ceramic nano-phosphors were prepared using sol-gel synthesis, and the phosphor structures were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The phosphors were well crystallized and exhibited a sharp-edged angular crystal structure and mesoporous structure consisting of 270 nm nano-particles. All phosphors generated blue, green, and red emission bands attributed to Tm: (1)G(4)-> H-3(6), Er: H-2(11/2) (S-4(3/2))-> I-4(15/2), and Er: F-4(9/2)-> I-4(15/2) radiative transitions, respectively. Increasing in luminescent centers, weakening of lattice symmetry, and releasing of dormant rare earth ions can enhance all emissions. Er3+ can obtain energy from Tm3+ to enhance green and red emission. These colors can be tuned by optimizing the doping concentrations of the Er3+ ion. The color coordinates were adjusted by tuning both the Er3+ concentration and excitation laser pump power to shift the color coordinates and correlated color temperature. The findings of this study will broaden the potential practical applications of phosphors.

Automated summary

In this study, well-crystallized Yb3+/Er3+/Tm3+-tridoped Y2O3-ZnO ceramic nano-phosphors were prepared and their structures and emission properties were studied. It was found that increasing luminescent centers, weakening lattice symmetry, and releasing dormant rare earth ions can enhance the emission.