KLaF4:Er an efficient upconversion phosphor

Er3+ doped cubic KLaF4 system is reported as a promising green-emitting phosphor, obtained from a single step non-aqueous medium based room temperature synthesis. The optical properties of the doped systems were evaluated by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy under laser excitation. The green to red emission ratio (GRR) of 4.9 with a decay time range of 35–70 ms (for green emission at 522 nm, under 980 nm excitation) has been achieved in the KLaF4:Er for the first time. This study proves beneficial for many applications including invivo bio-labeling, 3D flat panel displays and provides a broader scope for further improvement in its upconversion properties through site selective doping.