Upconversion Luminescence of SrTiO₃:Er³⁺ Ultrafine Powders Produced by 785 nm Laser

Er3+ doped SrTiO3 ultrafine powders were prepared by solid state reaction in a molten NaCl flux. The structural properties were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The Stokes emission spectra of Er3+ in SrTiO3:Er3+ ranging from green to near infrared region were investigated under 514.5 nm laser excitation. The green and redupconverted luminescence spectra of Er3+ were measured under excitation into the 4I9=2 level by 785 nm laser. The upconversion mechanisms were studied in detail through laser power dependence and Er3+ ion concentration dependence of upconverted emissions, and results show that excited state absorption and energy transfer process are the possible mechanisms for the upconversion. The upconversion properties indicate that SrTiO3:Er3+ may be used in upconversion phosphors.