Light-into-heat conversion in La2O3:Er(3+)-Yb3+ phosphor: an incandescent emission

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Laser Physics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Laser-induced incandescence (LII) is a phenomenon where materials heat up and emit light when exposed to laser radiation.
• Lanthanum oxide (La2O3) doped with Erbium (Er3+) and Ytterbium (Yb3+) is a phosphor material known for its upconversion properties.
• Understanding thermal effects in phosphors is crucial for applications in sensing and energy conversion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the phenomenon of continuous wave laser-induced incandescence (CWLII) in La(2)O(3):Er(3+)-Yb(3+) phosphor.
• To determine the origin of incandescence and estimate the temperatures achieved.
• To explore the potential of using this effect for temperature measurement.

Main Methods:

• Excitation of La(2)O(3):Er(3+)-Yb(3+) phosphor using a 976 nm infrared (IR) continuous wave (CW) laser.
• Observation and analysis of the incandescence emission.
• Estimation of the temperature based on the incandescence characteristics.
• Analysis of Er3+ upconversion band intensities for temperature sensing.

Main Results:

• Observed low-power-threshold CWLII in the La(2)O(3):Er(3+)-Yb(3+) phosphor.
• Attributed incandescence to extensive heating from nonradiative processes following laser excitation.
• Estimated temperatures reaching approximately 2650 K.
• Demonstrated efficient upconversion in the phosphor.
• Showed that the ratio of specific Er3+ emission bands can measure temperature rise.

Conclusions:

• CWLII in La(2)O(3):Er(3+)-Yb(3+) phosphor is a viable method for rapid heating of nano/microvolumes.
• The phenomenon provides an effective route to achieve extremely high temperatures.
• The phosphor's upconversion properties enable non-contact, remote temperature measurement.
• This research opens possibilities for advanced thermal management and sensing applications.