Quasi-one dimensional Er3+–Yb3+ codoped single-crystal MoO3 ribbons: Synthesis, characterization and up-conversion luminescence

The quasi-one dimensional (Q1D) Er3+–Yb3+ codoped single-crystal MoO3 ribbons with width range from 1 to 5 μm, and maximum length about 30 μm have been synthesized by the vapor transport method. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, and luminescence spectra. By a 975 nm laser diode (LD) as excitation source, the blue, green and red emission bands centered at about 408, 532, 553 and 657 nm were detected, which attributed to the 2H9/2 → 4I15/2, 2H11/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+, respectively. The three-, and two-photon process was responsible for the blue, green and red up-conversion emissions mechanism for the Q1D Er3+–Yb3+ codoped single-crystal MoO3 ribbons, respectively. The results suggested that the Q1D Er3+–Yb3+ codoped single-crystal MoO3 ribbons will have potential applications in remote bio-imaging and surface enhanced Raman scattering.

Research highlights
► Er3+–Yb3+:MoO3 quasi-one dimensional ribbons synthesized by a vapor transport method.
► Blue, green and red emissions of Er3+–Yb3+:MoO3 Q1D ribbons were obtained.
► Er3+–Yb3+:MoO3 Q1D ribbons have potential applications in remote bio-imaging.