Boosting the sensitivity with time-gated luminescence thermometry using a nanosized molecular cluster aggregate

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Luminescence thermometry using trivalent lanthanide ions is a rapidly advancing field for non-contact temperature sensing.
• Despite demonstrated viability across research domains, practical applications are hindered by background luminescence.
• Existing methods face challenges in real-world deployment due to environmental and device-generated light interference.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate time-gated luminescence thermometry (TGLT) as an innovative approach to overcome background luminescence.
• To enhance the relative sensitivity of luminescence-based temperature measurements.
• To demonstrate a viable pathway for the practical application of advanced thermometry.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of time-gated detection principles into lanthanide luminescence thermometry.
• Utilizing trivalent lanthanide ions as luminescence probes.
• Experimental validation of the TGLT approach in a relevant environment.

Main Results:

• Successful implementation of time-gated luminescence thermometry (TGLT).
• Demonstrated significant enhancement in relative temperature sensitivity compared to conventional methods.
• Mitigation of interference from background luminescence.

Conclusions:

• Time-gated luminescence thermometry (TGLT) effectively addresses the challenge of background luminescence.
• The enhanced sensitivity achieved through TGLT paves the way for more robust and practical contactless temperature sensing.
• This work provides a critical step towards the real-world implementation of advanced luminescence thermometers.