Up-converted luminescence in Yb, Tm co-doped LaGaO3 phosphors by high-energy ball milling and solid state reaction

LaGaO3:Tm3+, Yb3+ powder was synthesized by a high-energy ball milling (HEB) and a conventional solid state reaction (SSR). The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the LaGaO3:Tm3+, Yb3+ powder phosphors to have an orthorhombic structure. The spectrum consisted of 1G4 → 3H6, weak 1G4 → 3F4, and intense 3H4 → 3H6 transition bands within the f12 configuration of Tm3+, together with the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition of Yb3+. Up-converted emission of the LaGaO3:Tm3+, Yb3+ powders were observed under laser diode excitation of 975 nm. The PL intensity of the HEB-LaGaO3:Tm3+, Yb3+ powders sintered at 1300 °C were higher than those of all LaGaO3:Tm3+, Yb3+ powder samples examined. The energy transition probability of HEB-LaGaO3:Tm3+, Yb3+ powders are higher than that of the SSR-LaGaO3:Tm3+, Yb3+ powders. Compared to the solid state reaction method, synthesis by high-energy ball milling is simple and provides improved crystallinity of the host.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► The samples were synthesized by a high-energy ball milling and a solid state reaction.
► The spectrum consisted of transition bands within the configuration of Tm3+, and Yb3+.
► The energy transition probability of HEB-powders are higher than that of the SSR-powders.
► Compared to the SSR, synthesis by HEB is simple and provides improved crystallinity of the host.