A modified energy transfer model for determination of upconversion emission of β-NaYF4:Yb,Er: Role of self-quenching effect

A modified energy transfer model by incorporating self-quenching effect is introduced to determine upconversion emission of β-NaYF4:Yb,Er. The simulation results agree well with existing experimental results, demonstrating the critical role of self-quenching effect in upconversion emission. Our results confirm that a 4.4-fold increase of green upconversion and 86-fold increase in the intensity of red upconversion emission could be realized by suppressing self-quenching. In addition, the optimal doping concentrations for integral emission intensity are found to be independent of excitation power, while the green to red ratio is found to rely significantly on excitation power. Our model offers mechanistic insight into upconversion emission processes and provides inspirations in improving upconversion emission efficiency through optimization of energy transfer pathways in different types of matrix sub-lattice.