Synthesis and up-converted luminescence of Y3NbO7:Er

Synthesis of cubic Y3NbO7:Er using Li2SO4 flux is reported and spectroscopic properties of the resultant powders are presented. The dopant content has varied in the range of 0.1–15 at.%. Absorption, excitation and emission spectra are characterized by relatively broad structures related to the Er3+ ion. The broadening results from some inhomogeneity of the metal surrounding. For diluted samples both photoluminescence and up-converted emission are dominated by a green luminescent band around 550 nm. With an increasing concentration of the dopant a red band located around 665 nm gets systematic enhancement and in up-conversion it finally dominates the spectrum. For low concentrations the up-conversion occurs through excited state absorption mechanism while for higher Er contents energy transfer mechanism dominates.