Optical properties of Er3+ doped KYbxF3x+1 (x=2, 3) upconverting nanoparticles

Well dispersed orthorhombic structure KYb2F7:2 mol.%Er3+ and KYb3F10:2 mol.%Er3+ nanoparticles were synthesized through solvothermal method. Measurements of X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and upconversion spectra showed excellent morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared samples. The intensity ratio of the red emission (650 nm) to the green emission (545 nm) in these two materials was much stronger than that in other Er3+ doped materials. The transition mechanism of the processes was investigated and discussed. Due to their strong red emission, the samples are promising for applications in display, color tuning, and biolabeling.

Graphical AbstractEmission spectra of the KYb2F7:2 mol.%Er3+ (a) and KYb3F10:2 mol.%Er3+ (b) samplesFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide