Upconversion Emission Studies in Er3+/Yb3+ Doped/Co-Doped NaGdF4 Phosphor Particles for Intense Cathodoluminescence and Wide Temperature-Sensing Applications.

ABSTRACT

Er3+/Yb3+ doped/co-doped NaGdF4 upconversion phosphor nanoparticles were synthesized via the thermal decomposition route of synthesis. The α-phase crystal structure and nanostructure of these particles were confirmed using XRD and FE-SEM analysis. In the power-dependent upconversion analysis, different emission bands at 520 nm, 540 nm, and 655 nm were obtained. The sample was also examined for cathodoluminescence (CL) analysis at different filament currents of an electron beam. Through CL analysis, different emission bands of 526 nm, 550 nm, 664 nm, and 848 nm were obtained. The suitability of the present sample for temperature-sensing applications at a wide range of temperatures, from room temperature to 1173 K, was successfully demonstrated.