Solvothermal synthesis of CeF_3: Tm~(3+), Yb~(3+) microcrystals with visible upconversion luminescence by 980 nm excitation

摘要

CeF_3: Tm~(3+), Yb~(3+) microcrystals have been successfully synthesized by a solvothermal method with fur ther calcinations. The crystalline phase, size and optical properties were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and upconversion luminescence (UCL). All the as-prepared samples showed blue emissions (450,475 nm) and red emission (649 nm) under 980 nm excitation. The main mechanism that allows for upconversion is attributed the energy transfer (ET) among Yb~(3+) and Tm~(3+) ions in excited states. The results illustrate the large potential of this new class of material for photonic applications involving optoelectronics devices.