Broadband Cr3+-sensitized upconversion luminescence of LiScSi2O6:Cr3+/Er3+

Abstract Broadband sensitization is an effective strategy to enhance the upconversion luminescence (UCL) of lanthanide ions. Herein, novel UC materials LiScSi2O6:Cr3+/Er3+ (LSS:Cr3+/Er3+) were synthesized by high-temperature solid state reaction and their luminescent properties were investigated. LSS:Cr3+/Er3+ has the broadband absorption in the spectral range of 600–800 nm, and meanwhile shows green UC emissions of Er3+ upon pumping Cr3+ by the 690 nm laser. The UCL of LSS:Cr3+/Er3+ belongs to the two-photon process and is attributed to the energy transfer upconversion mechanism. The effects of the Cr3+ and Er3+ concentration as well as the Yb3+ introduction were also studied. LSS:Cr3+/Yb3+/Er3+ exhibits the interesting dual-mode UCL, capable of generating the UCL of Cr3+ upon pumping Yb3+ ions and the UCL of Er3+ upon pumping Cr3+ ions. This research might promote the development of novel broadband Cr3+-sensitized UC materials.