Up-Conversion Luminescence and Optical Temperature Sensing Behaviour of Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ Phosphors

The up-conversion (UC) and temperature sensing behaviours of Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb(3+ )phosphors were investigated. A series of Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphors were synthesized using a solution combustion method. The cubic structure of the Y2O3 with an Ia3 space group was analysed by using X-ray powder diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to study the surface morphologies of the UC phosphors. Under 980 nm excitation, the UC emissions of Ho3+ from the S-5(2) ? I-5(8),F- 5(5) ? I-5(8) and S-5(2) ? I-5(7) transitions were observed, which occurred through UC energy transfer (ET) processes. The Yb3+ ion concentration severely affected the UC emission. The sensing behaviour of the phosphor was investigated through the green (F-5(4), S-5(2 )? I-5(8)) to red (F-5(5) ? I-5(8)) fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR). The maximum absolute and relative sensitivity values of SA = 0.08 K-1 and S-R = 0.64% K-1 were obtained. The results revealed that the prepared Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb(3+ )phosphor is suitable for optical sensing at high temperatures.

Automated summary

The up-conversion (UC) and temperature sensing properties of Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphors were investigated. The Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphors were synthesized using a solution combustion method and their cubic crystal structure was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study the surface morphologies of the UC phosphors. Under 980 nm excitation, the UC emissions of Ho3+ were observed, which occurred through UC energy transfer (ET) processes. The sensing behavior of the phosphor was studied through the green to red fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) and the maximum absolute sensitivity and relative sensitivity values were obtained. The results indicate that the prepared Y2O3:Ho3+, Yb3+ phosphor is suitable for optical sensing at high temperatures.