A high-brightness phosphor based on Yb3+/Er3+ codoped Y2O3 micro-crystals and controllable temperature sensing sensitivity via rare earth ions

Non-contact temperature detection technology based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of rare earth ions has attracted much attentions due to its high sensitivity and operability. Herein, Yb3+/Er3+:Y2O3 micro-crystals with different rare earth ion concentrations were prepared and studied. Under 980 nm excitation, the influences of rare earth ion concentration on fluorescence intensity and temperature sensing sensitivity are discussed in detail. The prepared Yb3+/Er3+ codoped Y2O3 micro-crystals possess excellent fluorescence properties, its temperature sensing sensitivity is superior and the maximum absolute sensitivity is up to 0.0078 K-1 at 625 K. The strongest fluorescence intensity and highest sensitivity are achieved in 3.0Yb(3+)/0.3Er(3+):Y2O3 and 3.0Yb(3+)/0.1Er(3+):Y2O3 crystals, respectively. So it is necessary to evaluate doping design for better applications. This work may further promote the optical thermometry research and provide a new strategy to increase the temperature detection sensitivity.