Intrinsic single-band upconversion emission in colloidal Yb/Er(Tm):Na3Zr(Hf)F7 nanocrystals

Novel Yb/Er(Tm):Na3MF7 (M = Zr, Hf) nanocrystals with intrinsic single-band upconversion emission, in contrast to the routine lanthanide-doped fluoride nanocrystals which show typical multi-band upconversion emissions, are reported for the first time. Specifically, the red upconversion intensity of the Yb/Er:Na3ZrF7 nanocrystals is about 5 times as high as that of the hexagonal Yb/Er:NaYF4 ones with a similar crystal size.