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Photon upconversion through triplet exciton-mediated energy relay
Sanyang Han1, Zhigao Yi1, Jiangbin Zhang2,3
1Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
Nature Communications
|June 18, 2021
Summary
Researchers developed a new triplet exciton-mediated energy relay for lanthanide upconversion. This method enhances emission intensity and is less dependent on excitation power, offering new possibilities for optical materials.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Photonics
- Chemistry
Background:
- Upconversion luminescence in lanthanide emitters is crucial for research and technology.
- Traditional energy migration methods require high excitation power and specific host ions, limiting emitter choices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a novel photon upconversion method using triplet exciton-mediated energy relay.
- To overcome limitations of existing energy migration techniques for lanthanide emitters.
Main Methods:
- Harnessing triplet exciton-mediated energy relay for photon upconversion.
- Investigating energy transfer mechanisms at molecule-nanoparticle interfaces.
- Utilizing lanthanide emitters coupled with surface molecules.
Main Results:
- Achieved photon upconversion for diverse lanthanide emitters.
- Enhanced terbium (Tb3+) emission intensity by 158-fold compared to gadolinium-based systems.
- Demonstrated fast triplet generation (<100 ps) and high triplet transfer efficiency (>99%).
Conclusions:
- The triplet exciton-mediated energy relay is a powerful, low-power alternative for lanthanide upconversion.
- Strong coupling between lanthanides and surface molecules facilitates efficient energy transfer.
- This approach enables long-distance energy transfer and microstructure-based upconversion modulation, paving the way for advanced optical materials.
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