NIR emission from Yb 3+ -Er 3+ ions in Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 host

Abstract

Er and Yb-Er co-doped Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 both in the bulk and nano-size dimensions were prepared via co-precipitation method and investigated for their photoluminescence properties. Characteristic near Infra-Red (NIR) emission at 1530 nm due to 4 I 13/2 → 4 I 15/2 transition of Er 3+ was observed in both bulk and nanoparticles of Er doped as well as Yb-Er co-doped Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 . Intensity of emission improves systematically with increase in heat treatment temperature and the bulk sample show improved luminescence with crystal field splitting. Co-doping Y 2 Sn 2 O 7 : Er with Yb 3+ ions enhances the NIR emission intensity from Er 3+ ion, which is attributed to energy transfer. Excitation spectra also revealed the back energy transfer from Er 3+ to Yb 3+ ion.