NIR optimized dual mode photoluminescence in Nd doped Y2O3 ceramic phosphor

Authors here report the dual mode photo luminescence emission in neodymium doped yttrium oxide ceramic phosphor upon 808 nm diode laser excitation. Single cubic phase Nd3+ doped Y2O3 phosphor was synthesized using urea assisted combustion route. Nd3+ doped Y2O3 ceramic phosphor has given photoluminescence in a wide wavelength range covering near infrared window (850-1100 nm) to the visible region i.e. green (525 nm) and red (680 nm) upon 808 nm diode laser excitation. The two most intense bands on 808 nm excitation were observed at 750 nm and 1064 nm due to the upconversion and downconversion emission processes. The sample was also tested for emission using 980 nm and intense green emission due to the trace presence of Er3+ in the raw materials was seen in the sample. The excitation power dependent upconversion measurements have shown that transitions 4F9/2→4I9/2 and 4S3/2→4I9/2 are thermally coupled and can be used to estimate the sample temperature using Boltzmann relation.