Seven-photon ultraviolet upconversion emission of Er³⁺ induced by 1,540-nm laser excitation

Abstract

The multi-photon ultraviolet upconversion emission properties and synergistic effect are investigated in BaSr₂Y₆O₁₂:Er³⁺ phosphor. The deep-ultraviolet emissions centered at 274, 297 and 324-nm are observed under the 1,540-nm excitation, which results from a seven-, six- and six-photon upconversion process, respectively. A synergistic effect is found, which shows that the red emission intensity under 351- and 1,540-nm dual excitation is 4.7 % time stronger than the sum of red emission intensities under the 351 and 1,540-nm single excitation. This phenomenon is attributed to the ⁴I_13/2 and ⁴I_11/2 levels of Er³⁺ from non-radiative transition process under the 351-nm excitation are excited again to ⁴F_9/2 level by absorbing 1,540-nm photon in the 351- and 1,540-nm dual-excitation process.