Effect of Er and Dy on IR-visible up-conversion luminescence properties of (Er0.01Dy0.01La0.01Zr0.02Y0.95)2O3 transparent ceramic

In this study, we present first ever fabrication of Er/Dy co-doped Y2O3 transparent ceramic and demonstration of energy transfer upconversion mechanism between Dy3+ and Er3+. The spherical nanoparticles of Er/Dy co-doped Y2O3 were synthesized by coprecipitation technique and transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering of nanoparticles at 1750 degrees C for 5 h. A transmittance of similar to 80% (in similar to 600-2000 nm range) without Fresnel loss correction was achieved by substituting sintering aids like Zirconium and Lanthanum during preparation of nano particles without affecting the cubic phase of Er/Dy co-doped Y2O3. The upconversion luminescence spectra in visible region have been studied. The measured excitation spectrum gave evidence of the energy transfer from Dy3+ to Er3+ energy levels. The Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters, spontaneous emission rate, branching ratios and radiative emission lifetimes corresponding to transition wavelengths of Er3+ were determined. The observed strong emission band at 564 nm (Er3+: S-4(3/2) -> I-4(15/2)) under 1077 nm (Dy3+: H-6(15/2) -> F-6(9/2)) excitation prove its potential as a promising gain medium for compact solid-state upconversion laser.