NIR to visible frequency upconversion in Er3+ and Yb3+ co-doped BaZrO3 phosphor

Phosphor powders of Yb3+ co-doped BaZrO3:Er3+ have been prepared by the urea combustion route. The formation of single-phase BaZrO3:Er3+ and BaZrO3:Er3+,Yb3+ was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Green and red luminescence along with a weaker blue emission is observed upon excitation at ∼978 nm with a diode laser. These emissions are caused by frequency upconversion in the Er3+-doped BaZrO3 (BZO) phosphor. Both the green and red upconversion emissions of the Er3+ are enhanced by about ∼3 and ∼43 times respectively when triply ionized ytterbium is incorporated as a co-dopant. The frequency upconversion processes responsible for the blue, green and red emissions are discussed on the basis of the experimental data.

Graphical abstractPhosphor powders of Yb3+ co-doped BaZrO3:Er3+ have been prepared by the urea combustion route. The formation of single-phase BaZrO3:Er3+ and BaZrO3:Er3+,Yb3+ was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD). Green and red luminescence along with a weaker blue emission is observed upon excitation at ∼978 nm with a diode laser. These emissions are caused by frequency upconversion in the Er3+-doped BaZrO3 (BZO) phosphor. Both the green and red upconversion emissions of the Er3+ are enhanced by about ∼3 and ∼43 times respectively when triply ionized ytterbium is incorporated as a co-dopant. The frequency upconversion processes responsible for the blue, green and red emissions are discussed on the basis of the experimental data.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► BaZrO3:Er3+ phosphors co-doped with Yb3+ have been prepared by combustion method. ► The combustion synthesis method is a simple, rapid, and economical viable process. ► The green, red and blue up-conversion emissions have been observed. ► Upconversion emission intensity in co-doped sample is enhanced by several times.