Yb3+ concentration dependence of upconversion luminescence in Y2Sn2O7:Yb3+/Er3+ nanophosphors

Pyrochlore Y₂Sn₂O₇ nanophosphors codoped with Er³⁺ (fixed 2 at.%) and Yb³⁺ ions (2–16 at.%) were synthesized via hydrothermal process followed by heat treatment. We investigate the infrared-to-visible upconversion (UC) luminescence properties of Er–Yb codoped Y₂Sn₂O₇. Upon 980 nm excitation at room temperature, green (at ~522 and 544 nm) and red (at ~661 nm) UC emissions were observed, which are ascribed to the (²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2) → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transitions, respectively. It has been found that the Yb³⁺-doping concentrations have greatly influenced on the UC luminescence intensity and the emission ratio of the red and green in Y₂Sn₂O₇:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ nanophosphors. The tunable emission is due to the energy back transfer from Er³⁺ to Yb³⁺ and the cross relaxation between the two neighboring Er³⁺ ions. It is expected that the achieved single and intense red emission band may have potential application for in vivo bioimaging.