Plasmonic Enhanced Photoluminescence of Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have garnered great interest in recent decades due to their unique ability to convert near-infrared excitation into ultraviolet or visible emission. Advancements in understanding this phenomenon have been advantageous to expanding the wide range of applications for UCNPs, from biomedicine to anticounterfeiting to renewable energy. To date, the biggest limitation in further progressing the applications of UCNPs is their inherently low efficiency of energy transfer and therefore low efficiency of upconversion photoluminescence. Recent developments have shown promise in utilizing plasmonic nanoparticles to enhance the upconversion efficiency of UCNPs. The plasmonic enhanced luminescence can occur through either selective enhancement of UCNP emission or broad enhancement of UCNP excitation. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive overview into recent advancements in plasmonic modulated enhancement of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles, addressment of current challenges, and future opportunities.