A high-precision thermometry strategy by replacing the infrared with visible light for detection

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Optical Physics
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Traditional thermometry often relies on infrared detection, which can be limited by detector response.
• Erbium (Er3+) ion luminescence transitions offer potential for optical thermometry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-precision thermometry strategy using visible light emissions from Er3+.
• To propose and validate a novel ratiometric thermometry method based on Er3+ transitions.

Main Methods:

• Utilized 4I9/2-4I15/2 (I800 nm) and 4S3/2-4I15/2 (I551 nm) transitions of Er3+ for thermometry.
• Employed rate equation model analysis to establish relationships between emission intensities.
• Investigated power-dependent and temperature-dependent emission spectra of CaWO4:Er3+, Yb3+.

Main Results:

• Proposed a ratiometric thermometry method based on the ratio of I800 nm and I551 nm emissions.
• Demonstrated advantages of anti-interference from excitation light source fluctuation and background-free detection.
• Achieved a maximum relative sensitivity of 7.4% K-1 and optimal temperature uncertainty of 0.03 K at 303 K.

Conclusions:

• The developed ratiometric thermometry strategy using visible light is feasible and effective.
• This method overcomes limitations associated with infrared detection.
• Provides guidance for developing robust optical thermometry techniques.