Optical characterization, absorption and upconversion luminescence in Er3+and Er3+/Yb3+doped In2O3 phosphor

Abstract Combustion derived In 2 O 3 :Er 3+ , co-doped with Yb 3+ phosphor powders have been prepared. Powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods are used to characterize the prepared phosphor powders. The intensity parameters ( Ω λ , λ =2, 4 and 6), radiative transition probabilities ( A R ), radiative lifetime ( τ R ) and branching ratios ( β ) of certain emission transition of Er 3+ ions for In 2 O 3 :Er 3+ and In 2 O 3 :Er 3+ /Yb 3+ phosphors have been estimated in the framework of the model given by Judd–Ofelt. Upon excitation at 978 nm, upconversion luminescence properties of Er 3+ and Er 3+ /Yb 3+ doped In 2 O 3 phosphors are investigated. The results obtained from optical study confirm the existence of an effective Yb 3+ to Er 3+ energy transfer process and it also predict possible mechanisms to populate the 4 S 3/2 and 4 F 9/2 levels. The possible upconversion mechanisms are discussed for Er 3+ and Yb 3+ ions with energy level diagram.