Synthesis of Er3+:Lu2O3 nanopowders by carbonate co-precipitation process and fabrication of transparent ceramics

Er3+ ions-doped Lu2O3 nanopowders were synthesized by co-precipitation method using NH4HCO3 as a precipitant, then Er3+:Lu2O3 transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering using the as-prepared powder. The structure, crystallite size and upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of the as synthesized powders were characterized. The results indicated that the UCL properties of the powders varied with the calcination temperature and the Er3+ doping concentrations. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser diode, the ceramic sample showed a visually dominant green emission. Power studies revealed that the green (4S3/2 → 4I15/2) and red (4F9/2 → 4I15/2) upconversion emission of the sample occurred via a two-photon process.