Upconversion Luminescence Response of a Single YVO4:Yb, Er Particle

We present the results of the luminescence response studies of a single YVO4:Yb, Er particle of 1- mu m size. Yttrium vanadate nanoparticles are well-known for their low sensitivity to surface quenchers in water solutions which makes them of special interest for biological applications. First, YVO4:Yb, Er nanoparticles (in the size range from 0.05 mu m up to 2 mu m), using the hydrothermal method, were synthesized. Nanoparticles deposited and dried on a glass surface exhibited bright green upconversion luminescence. By means of an atomic-force microscope, a 60 * 60 mu m(2) square of a glass surface was cleaned from any noticeable contaminants (more than 10 nm in size) and a single particle of 1- mu m size was selected and placed in the middle. Confocal microscopy revealed a significant difference between the collective luminescent response of an ensemble of synthesized nanoparticles (in the form of a dry powder) and that of a single particle. In particular, a pronounced polarization of the upconversion luminescence from a single particle was observed. Luminescence dependences on the laser power are quite different for the single particle and the large ensemble of nanoparticles as well. These facts attest to the notion that upconversion properties of single particles are highly individual. This implies that to use an upconversion particle as a single sensor of the local parameters of a medium, the additional studying and calibration of its individual photophysical properties are essential.

Automated summary

We conducted luminescence response studies on a single YVO4:Yb, Er particle with a size of 1 μm. Yttrium vanadate nanoparticles are known for their low sensitivity to surface quenchers, making them suitable for biological applications. YVO4:Yb, Er nanoparticles were synthesized using the hydrothermal method and exhibited bright green upconversion luminescence. The study found significant differences between the collective luminescent response of an ensemble of nanoparticles and that of a single particle, indicating highly individual upconversion properties of single particles. It emphasizes the importance of studying and calibrating the individual photophysical properties of upconversion particles when using them as single sensors for local parameters of a medium.