Analysis of inner filter effect on the up-conversion spectra of erbium doped yttrium oxide close-packed powders

We observed that the up-conversion (UC) emission profiles of erbium (Er3+) doped yttrium oxide (Y2O3) close-packed powders prepared by combustion synthesis are different when the luminescence reflected from the sample is compared to the luminescence transmitted through the sample (thickness: ∼0.1 mm). The effect was identified as a combination of scattering and an inner filter effect (IFE). The IFE reduces the transmitted UC luminescence bandwidths up to 50%. The IFE was suppressed by the inclusion of free-standing undoped Y2O3 particles.