Expanded visible-near-infrared temperature sensing properties in view of ultra-broadband tunable luminescence in Mg3Y2Ge3O12:Ce3+, Cr3+ phosphors with advanced applications

Ultra-broadband Vis-NIR (visible to near-infrared) tunable emitting phosphors are considered to the most promising fluorescent materials, such as for the applications in general lighting, NIR spectroscopy, plant growth lighting, and etc. Herein, Ce3+-Cr3+ co-doped Mg3Y2Ge3O12 phosphors were prepared. Ultra-broadband Vis-NIR luminescence of Ce3+/Cr3+ ranging from ∼500 nm to >900 nm can be observed, which can be tuned with changes of doping concentration or experimental temperature. The energy transfer processes of Ce3+-Cr3+ are investigated by applying the excited state dynamics principle. Interestingly, broadband high-sensitivity temperature sensing performance is obtained for the Ce3+-Cr3+ co-doped Mg3Y2Ge3O12 phosphors at high temperatures, achieving visible to near-infrared temperature regulation. A single phase phosphor-converted light emitting diode (pc-LED) was fabricated by combining blue LED chip with Mg3Y2Ge3O12:Ce3+,Cr3+ phosphors. The interesting results indicate that the prepared phosphors may realize multifunctional advanced applications.