NIR to visible upconversion in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped CaYAl3O7 phosphor obtained by solution combustion process

► The green emitting up-conversion CaYAl3O7:Er3+ phosphor powders co-doped with Yb3+ have been prepared by easy combustion method. ► The combustion method is a simple, energy saving, fast and economical viable process. ► The luminescence intensity in the co-doped phosphor is enhanced by several times compared to that of the singly (Er3+) doped phosphor.