White luminescence of bismuth and samarium codoped Y2O3 phosphors

In this work Sm³⁺ (0–2.0 at%) and Bi³⁺ (0–2.0 at%) doped Y₂O₃ luminescent powders were prepared by a sol–gel method from yttrium acetylacetonate, samarium and bismuth nitrates as metal sources. The as prepared powders (chemical composition is close to stoichiometric Y₂O₃) present the cubic structure from 700 °C, and at 900 °C are characterized by the presence of rounded particles with heterogeneous size of 42.9 nm. Luminescent effect of ions of Sm³⁺ and Bi³⁺ into Y₂O₃ host as was studied on heat treated powders from 800 to 1100 °C. The combination of the red luminescence from the Sm³⁺ ions and the bluish from Bi³⁺, makes the synthesized phosphors candidates to be used in fabrication of phosphor-converted light-emitting diodes (LEDs).     

Thermally enhanced near-infrared luminescence in CaSc2O4: Yb3+/Nd3+ nanorods for temperature sensing and photothermal conversion

Non-invasive photothermal therapy (PTT) is proposed as a powerful method for cancer treatment, in which a precise temperature monitoring is strongly recommended during the photothermal conversion process to prevent the damage of normal cells. Herein, ultra-sensitive optical thermometry with excellent resolution and outstanding light-to-heat conversion are simultaneously realized in CaSc₂O₄: Yb³⁺/Nd³⁺ nanorods. The temperature sensing of the nanorods is accomplished through fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technology based on the thermally coupled levels (TCLs) Nd³⁺: ⁴F_j (j = 7/2, 5/2, 3/2), of which the obtained absolute sensitivity is about 6.5 times larger than the optimal value of TCLs-based thermometers reported previously. Meanwhile, an intense thermal enhancement of Nd³⁺: ⁴F_j (j = 7/2, 5/2, 3/2) → ⁴I_9/2 transition is found due to the efficiency improvement of phonon-assisted energy transfer process between Yb³⁺ ions and Nd³⁺ ions. The penetrability of the near-infrared light emitting by Nd³⁺ ions is determined by a simple ex vivo experiment, indicating a penetration depth of 8 mm in the biological tissues with negligible effect on FIR values. Beyond that, the nanorods show remarkable photothermal conversion capacity under the excitation of 980 nm wavelength. The properties mentioned above show enormous potentiality of the present nanorods for PTT along with a real-time temperature sensing.     

Simultaneously controlling phase,morphology and up-conversion luminescence via lanthanide doping in Bi2O3: Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles

Bi₂O₃: Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ nanoparticles with varied phase structures and morphologies were synthesized via the co-precipitation method assisted with a subsequent high-temperature calcination process. The influences of experimental parameters including dosage of urea, dopant concentration, reaction temperature and time on the crystal phase structures and morphologies of the as-prepared nanoparticles were investigated. Results revealed that the morphology, the crystal phase and the up-conversion emission of Bi₂O₃: Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ could be simultaneously controlled by varying Yb³⁺ doping concentration. With increasing Yb³⁺ doping concentration (0-40%), the dramatic morphological evolution (nano-sheet to nano-flower to nano-sphere) and phase transition (monoclinic to tetragonal to cubic phase) were observed. Under the excitation of CW and pulse 980 nm lasers, Bi₂O₃: Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺ samples exhibited red (693 nm) and NIR (795 nm) double-band up-conversion emissions, where the increase of Yb³⁺ concentration leaded to the decreased emission intensity ratio of NIR to red (I₇₉₅/I₆₉₃) and the suppressed pulse-width-dependent up-conversion output.     

Power dependent upconversion in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped BiNbO4 phosphors

In the present article, optical properties and energy upconversion in Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped BiNbO₄ matrix were investigated. The BiNbO₄ matrix was prepared using the solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction of the matrix shows that the crystal structure is consistent with ICSD code 74338. The grain distribution and the behavior of doping with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ on the sample surface were obtained by scanning electron microscope. Raman spectral characterization was carried out to examine the behavior of the vibrational modes of the samples. Upconversion emissions in the visible region at 484.5, 522, 541.5 and 670.5 nm in the matrices BiNbO₄:Er,Yb and BiNbO₄:Er were observed and analyzed as a function of 980 nm laser excitation power and rare-earth doping concentration. The results show that BiNbO₄ is a promising host material for efficient upconversion phosphors.     

Phase evolution,structure, and up-/down-conversion luminescence of Li6CaLa2Nb2O12:Yb3+/RE3+ phosphors (RE = Ho,Er, Tm)

Garnet-type Li₆Ca(La_0.97Yb_0.02RE_0.01)₂Nb₂O₁₂ (RE = Ho, Er, Tm) new phosphors were successfully synthesized via solid reaction at 900°C for 5 hours, whose course of phase evolution, macroscopic/local crystal structure and up-/down-conversion (UC/DC) photoluminescence were clarified. Mechanistic study and materials characterization were attained via XRD, Rietveld refinement, DTA/TG, electron microscopy (FE-SEM/TEM), and Raman/reflectance/fluorescence spectroscopies. The phosphors were shown to exhibit UC luminescence dominated by a ~ 553 nm green band (⁵F₄/⁵S₂ → ⁵I₈ transition) for Ho³⁺, a ~ 568 nm green band (⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition) for Er³⁺ and a ~ 806 nm near-infrared band (³H₄ → ³H₆ transition) for Tm³⁺ under 978 nm laser excitation, with CIE chromaticity coordinates of around (0.31, 0.68), (0.38, 0.60) and (0.17, 0.24), respectively. Analysis of the pump-power dependence of UC intensity indicated that all the emissions involve a two-photon mechanism except for the ~ 486 nm blue emission of Tm³⁺ (¹G₄ → ³H₆), which requires a three-photon process. The DC luminescence of these phosphors is featured by dominant bands at ~ 553 nm for Ho³⁺ (green, ⁵F₄/⁵S₂ → ⁵I₈ transition), ~568 nm for Er³⁺ (green, ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition) and ~ 464 nm for Tm³⁺ (blue, ¹D₂ → ³F₄ transition). The UC and DC properties were also comparatively discussed.     

La2O2SO4:RE/Yb new phosphors for near infrared to visible and near infrared upconversion luminescence (RE=Ho,Er, Tm)

The 3 new upconversion (UC) phosphors of La₂O₂SO₄:RE/Yb (RE=Ho, Er, and Tm, respectively) were derived via facile dehydration of their layered hydroxide precursors that were hydrothermally synthesized at 100°C. Rietveld XRD refinement found contracting cell dimension with decreasing RE³⁺ size, confirming the direct crystallization of solid solution. The Er³⁺ and Ho³⁺ activators both exhibited simultaneous green and red (dominant) emissions under 978‐nm near‐infrared (NIR) laser excitation (NIR‐Vis UC). Particularly, Tm³⁺ produced a Gaussian‐shaped pure NIR emission band at ~812 nm via its ³H₄ → ³H₆ transition (NIR‐NIR UC), which is highly desired for NIR biological application. Analysis of the excitation‐power dependent UC properties manifested a 3‐photon mechanism for the 3 phosphors, and the possible photon reactions leading to UC were illustrated.     

Preparation and infrared to visible upconversion luminescence of Yb2O3:Ho3+ nanocrystalline powders

Yb₂O₃:Ho³⁺ nanocrystalline powders were synthesized through a solid state reaction method. X-ray diffraction analysis and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the phase composition and morphology of the powders. Then under the 980 nm excitation of laser diode, the fluorescence of the crystals was studied via a fluorescence spectrometer. The green and red emissions centered on 551 and 668 nm were observed, and the green band dominated the emission spectrum. The effect of the concentration of Ho³⁺ on the upconversion luminescence intensity was discussed and the possible upconversion emission mechanism was explained. It indicates that like other metal oxide nanoparticles, Yb₂O₃ could also be a potential host material for doping to prepare the upconversion phosphor.     

Effect of Yb3+ concentration on the green-yellow upconversion emission of SrGe4O9:Er3+ phosphors

This work presents the structural, morphological and luminescent, properties of SrGe₄O₉ (SGO):Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ phosphors. These phosphors were synthesized by simple combustion synthesis and subsequently annealed at 1100 °C. The XRD patterns revealed that all the SGO samples doped with Yb³⁺ concentrations from 2 to 10 at.% presented a trigonal pure phase (the Er³⁺ concentration was fixed to 1 at.%). The morphology of the SGO samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and found that they are formed by microparticles with irregular shapes and average sizes in the range of 0.2 μm–3 μm. The luminescence measurements of the SGO:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ samples showed the presence of two main emission bands at 551 nm (green) and at 662 nm (red) under excitation at 980 nm, which are associated to Er³⁺ transitions. For Yb concentration of 2 and 3 at.% the green band dominated, but the red band became more intense for Yb concentrations above 5 at.%. As result, the CIE coordinate changed from the green to the yellow region. The increase for the Yb content from 2 to 10 at.% also enhanced of the NIR emission of Er³⁺ ≈5 times and the maximum upconversion emission was observed for 8% of Yb concentration. Further, the surface of the SGO samples was analyzed by the FTIR technique in order to find OH groups which are common luminescent quenching centers, but these groups were not detected on the samples. Since the SGO samples presented tunable emission, absence of OH groups on their surface and stable crystalline structure for high Yb dopant concentrations, they could be good candidates as phosphors for solid state lighting or displays applications.     

Intense upconversion luminescence and energy‐transfer mechanism of Ho3+/Yb3+ co‐doped SrLu2O4 phosphor

A series of novel SrLu₂O₄: x Ho³⁺, y Yb³⁺ phosphors (x=0.005‐0.05, y=0.1‐0.6) were synthesized by a simple solid‐state reaction method. The phase purity, morphology, and upconversion luminescence were measured by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The doping concentrations and sintering temperature were optimized to be x=0.01, y=0.5 and T=1400°C to obtain the strongest emission intensity. Under 980 nm laser diode excitation, the SrLu₂O₄:Ho³⁺, Yb³⁺ phosphors exhibit intense green upconversion (UC) emission band centered at 541 nm (⁵F₄,⁵S₂→⁵I₈) and weak red emission peaked at 673 nm (⁵F₅→⁵I₈). Under different pump‐power excitation, the UC luminescence can be finely tuned from yellow‐green to green light region to some extent. Based on energy level diagram, the energy‐transfer mechanisms are investigated in detail according to the analysis of pump‐power dependence and luminescence decay curves. The energy‐transfer mechanisms for green and red UC emissions can be determined to be two‐photon absorption processes. Compared with commercial NaYF₄:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ and common Y₂O₃:Ho³⁺, Yb³⁺ phosphors, the SrLu_1.49Ho_0.01Yb_0.5O₄ sample shows good color monochromaticity and relatively high UC luminescence intensity. The results imply that SrLu₂O₄:Ho³⁺, Yb³⁺ can be a good candidate for green UC material in display fields.     

Y4.67Si3O13-based phosphors: Structure,morphology and upconversion luminescence for optical thermometry

How to improve the sensitivity of the temperature-sensing luminescent materials is one of the most important objects currently. In this work, to obtain high sensitivity and learn the corresponding mechanism, the rare earth (RE) ions doped Y_4.67Si₃O₁₃ (YS) phosphors were developed by solid-state reaction. The phase purity, structure, morphology and luminescence characteristics were evaluated by XRD, TEM, emission spectra, etc. The change of the optical bandgaps between the host and RE-doped phosphors was found, agreeing with the calculation results based on density-functional theory. The temperature-dependence of the upconversion (UC) luminescence revealed that a linear relationship exists between the fluorescence intensity ratio of Ho³⁺ and temperature. The theoretical resolution was evaluated. High absolute (0.083 K⁻¹) and relative (3.53% K⁻¹ at 293 K) sensitivities have been gained in the YS:1%Ho³⁺, 10%Yb³⁺. The effect of the Yb³⁺ doping concentration and pump power on the sensitivities was discussed. The pump-power–dependence of the UC luminescence indicated the main mechanism for high sensitivities in the YS:1%Ho³⁺, 10%Yb³⁺. Moreover, the decay-lifetime based temperature sensing was also evaluated. The above results imply that the present phosphors could be promising candidates for temperature sensors, and the proposed strategies are instructive in exploring other new temperature sensing luminescent materials.     

Enhanced upconversion emission in Yb3+ and Er3+ codoped NaGdF4 nanocrystals by introducing Li+ ions

β-NaGdF(4)?:?Yb(3+)/Er(3+) nanoparticles (NPs) codoped with Li(+) ions were prepared for the first time via a thermal decomposition reaction of trifluoroacetates in oleylamine. The influence of site occupancy of Li(+) on the upconversion emission of β-NaGdF(4)?:?Yb(3+)/Er(3+) NPs was investigated in detail. The upconversion emission intensity was significantly enhanced by introducing different concentrations of Li(+) ions. In contrast to lithium-free β-NaGdF(4)?:?Yb(3+)/Er(3+), the green and red UC emission intensities of the NPs codoped with 7 mol% Li(+) ions were enhanced by about 47 and 23 times, respectively. The luminescence enhancement should be attributed to the distortion of the local asymmetry around Er(3+) ions. The mechanisms for the enhancement of upconversion emission were discussed. In addition, it was found in our research work that β-NaGdF(4)?:?Yb(3+)/Er(3+) NPs exhibited paramagnetic features at room temperature and the magnetization was slightly increased by introducing Li(+) ions.     

Tunable multicolor upconversion luminescence of Yb3+ sensitized Na3La(VO4)2 crystals

Multicolor upconversion luminescence materials show significantly applications in materials science. In this paper, the novel Yb³⁺-sensitized Na₃La(VO₄)₂ upconversion luminescence crystals are synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. Three primary colors upconversion luminescence are successfully achieved in Na₃La(VO₄)₂:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺, Na₃La(VO₄)₂:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺, and Na₃La(VO₄)₂:Yb³⁺,Ho³⁺ crystals excited by the single 980 nm LD. Multicolor upconversion luminescence can be obtained by simply adjusting the combination ratios of these three samples. Luminescence mechanisms of the Yb³⁺-sensitized system are discussed in detail. In the Na₃La(VO₄)₂ host material, the Yb³⁺/Ho³⁺ codoped system exhibits unusual red upconversion luminescence based on the short decay time of Ho³⁺ ion ⁵I₆ level, which provides the possibility of three primary color luminescence under 980 nm excitation.     

Optical temperature sensor based on upconversion luminescence of Er3+ doped GdTaO4 phosphors

For the development of optical temperature sensor, a series of GdTaO₄ phosphors with various Er³⁺-doping concentrations (0, 1, 5, 10, 25, 35, 50 mol%) were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. The monoclinic crystalline structure of the prepared samples was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Under excitations of 980 and 1550 nm lasers, the multi-photon-excited green and red upconversion (UC) luminescence emissions of Er³⁺ were studied, and the critical quenching concentration of Er³⁺-doped GdTaO₄ phosphor was derived to be 25 mol%. By changing the pump power of laser, it was found that the two-photon and three-photon population processes happened for the UC emissions of Er³⁺-doped GdTaO₄ phosphors excited by 980 and 1550 nm lasers, respectively. Furthermore, based on the change of thermo-responsive green UC luminescence intensity corresponding to the ²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺ with temperature, the optical temperature sensing properties of Er³⁺-doped GdTaO₄ phosphor were investigated under excitations of 980 and 1550 nm lasers by using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technique. It was obtained that the maximum absolute sensitivity (S_A) and relative sensitivity (S_R) of Er³⁺-doped GdTaO₄ phosphors are as high as 0.0041 K⁻¹ at 475 K and 0.0112 K⁻¹ at 293 K, respectively. These significant results suggest that the Er³⁺-doped GdTaO₄ phosphors are a promising candidate for optical temperature sensor.     

Effects of temperature and electric field on upconversion luminescence in Er3+‐Yb3+ codoped Ba0.8Sr0.2TiO3 ferroelectric ceramics

Optical and electrical properties of 1%Er³⁺ and different Yb³⁺ content (1ExY) codoped Ba_0.8Sr_0.2TiO₃ (BST) ferroelectric ceramics fabricated by the solid‐phase reaction were investigated. Under 980 nm pump condition, two green emission bands at 525 and 549 nm wavelength corresponding to, ²H_11/2→⁴I_15/2 and ²S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 transitions, and two red emission bands at 655 and 668 nm wavelength attributed to ⁴F_9/2→⁴I_15/2 transition are observed. The temperature‐sensing behaviors, calculated by the intensity ratio I₅₂₅/I₅₄₉ suggested that, the maximum sensitivity of the green emission of the 1E8Y‐BST ceramics is 1.07×10^?2 K‐1 at 293 K. Furthermore, the maximum sensitivity of 1E6Y‐BST and 1E11Y‐BST ceramics were obtained around the Curie temperature. The fluorescence lifetime of 1E8Y‐BST ceramics for ²H_11/2 level and ²S_3/2 level shortened with the increase in the temperatures. Moreover, the upconversion (UC) luminescence intensity of 1E8Y‐BST decreased with the increase in the external electric field and had a mutation at the coercive electric field (E_c) of about 1.24 kV/cm, which revealed that the electric field had influence on the UC luminescence.     

Bright red upconversion luminescence from Er3+ and Yb3+ co-doped ZnO-TiO2 composite phosphor powder

ZnO-TiO₂ composites co-doped with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions were successfully synthesized by powder-solution mixing method and their upconversion (UC) luminescence was evaluated. The effect of firing temperature, ZnO/TiO₂ mixing ratio, and dopant concentration ranges on structural and UC luminescence properties was investigated. The crystal structure of the product was studied and calculated in detail by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). Also, the site preference of Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions in the host material was considered and analyzed based on XRD results and UC luminescence characteristics. Brightest UC luminescence was observed in the ZnO-TiO₂:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ phosphor fired at 1300 °C in which the system consisted of mixed phases; Zn₂TiO₄, TiO₂, RE₂Ti₂O₇ and RE₂TiO₅ (RE = Er³⁺ and/or Yb³⁺). Under the excitation of a 980 nm laser, the two emission bands were detected in the UC emission spectrum, weak green band centered at 544 and 559 nm, and strong red band centered at 657 and 675 nm wavelengths in accordance with ²H_11/2, ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴F_9/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transitions of Er³⁺ ion, respectively. The simple chemical formula equations, for explaining the site preference of Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions in host crystal matrix, were generated by considering the Zn₂TiO₄ crystal structure, its crystal properties, and the effect of Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ ions to the host crystal matrix. The UC emission intensity of the products was changed by varying ZnO/TiO₂ mixing ratios, and Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ concentrations. The best suitable condition for emitting the brightest UC emission was 1ZnO:1TiO₂ doped with 3 mol% Er³⁺, 9 mol% Yb³⁺ fired at 1300 °C for 1 h.     

Phase evolution in Bi2O3:Yb3+/Er3+ nanoparticles with nearly single-band red upconversion luminescence

Bi₂O₃:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ nanoparticles with flower-like morphology were easily synthesized by urea-assisted coprecipitation reactions. The influences of calcination temperature and doping concentration on the crystal phase structures of Bi₂O₃ and Bi₂O₃:x%Yb³⁺/2%Er³⁺ (x = 0–30) were systematically investigated by XRD analysis. The experimental results revealed that lanthanide doping could effectively improve the thermal stability of Bi₂O₂CO₃ samples, and the monoclinic-to-tetragonal-to-cubic phase transitions of Bi₂O₃ were implemented by controlling calcination temperatures and introducing smaller lanthanide ions (Ln³⁺) into the host lattices. Based on the analysis of TG and DSC curves, we found that the fundamental reason for this phase transition was the different stabilities of each crystalline phase under different doping conditions. Upon 980 nm laser excitation, Bi₂O₃:x%Yb³⁺/2%Er³⁺ samples presented near single-band red upconversion emission owing to the efficient energy reabsorption of the Bi₂O₃ host to Er³⁺ emission.     

Tunable upconversion luminescence in new Ho3+/Yb3+-doped SrBi4Ti4O15 photochromic ceramics for switching application

Upconversion (UC) luminescence modulation is quite important in controlling and processing light for active components of light sources, photoswitches, optical memories, and optical sensing devices. In this work, we reported one kind of novel phosphor, Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺-doped SrBi₄Ti₄O₁₅ ceramics, which displayed both strong UC luminescence and obvious photochromic (PC) reaction. The UC luminescence, PC effect, and the modulation of UC performance based on PC behavior were investigated in detail. By alternating visible light irradiation and thermal stimulus, the UC luminescence could be reversibly regulated. Meanwhile, the modulation was unveiled to tightly rely on the irradiation time and thermal treatment processes. Excellent reproducibility was also achieved. In addition, as an alternative method to thermal treatment, the manipulation of luminescence by electric field was also explored. Finally, the mechanism related to the UC luminescence manipulation was illustrated. The results indicate that these samples could be potentially utilized in optical data storage and anti-counterfeiting security fields.     

Visible green upconversion luminescence of Er3+/Yb3+/Li+ co-doped CaWO4 particles

The upconversion (UC) luminescence of Li⁺/Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped CaWO₄ phosphors is investigated in detail. Single crystallized CaWO₄:Li⁺/Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ phosphor can be obtained, co-doped up to 25.0/5.0/20.0 mol% (Li⁺/Er³⁺/Yb³⁺) by solid-state reaction. Under 980 nm excitation, CaWO₄:Li⁺/Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ phosphor exhibited strong green UC emissions visible to the naked eye at 530 and 550 nm induced by the intra-4f transitions of Er³⁺ (²H_11/2,⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2). The optimum doping concentrations of Yb³⁺/Li⁺ for the highest UC luminescence were verified to be 10/15 mol%, and a possible UC mechanism that depends on the pumping power is discussed in detail.     

Multipath optical thermometry realized in CaSc2O4: Yb3+/Er3+ with high sensitivity and superior resolution

Design and fabrication of contactless optical thermometer with rapid and accurate performance has become a research hotspot in recent years. Herein, CaSc₂O₄: Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ is employed as the intermediary for temperature sensing under the excitation of 980 nm, which is proven to afford an ultra-sensitive and high-resolution optical thermometry in multiple ways based on the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) technology. The optimal thermal sensing behaviors are realized by the FIR of Er³⁺:²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 to ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2 transition, which has a relative sensitivity of 1184/T² and a minimal resolution of 0.03 K along with a maximal absolute error of 0.96 K. Besides that, the FIR between the thermally coupled Stark sublevels of Er³⁺:⁴F_9/2 manifold (FIR_R) as well as that of Er³⁺: ⁴I_13/2 manifold (FIR_N) can also provide excellent optical thermometry. The relative sensitivity of FIR_R-based and FIR_N-based optical thermometers are calculated to be 402/T² and 366/T², respectively, with a same minimal resolution of 0.09 K, which possess the potential to be used for biomedicine due to the inherent advantage of their operating wavelengths located in the biological window. The results demonstrate that CaSc₂O₄: Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ is a promising candidate for temperature sensing with multipath, high sensitivity, and superior resolution.     

Concentration effects on the upconversion luminescence in Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped NaGdTiO4 phosphor

Ho³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped NaGdTiO₄ phosphors were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. The upconversion (UC) luminescence characteristics excited by 980 nm laser diode were systematically investigated. Bright green UC emission centered at 551 nm accompanied with weak red and near infrared (NIR) UC emissions centered at 652 and 761 nm were observed. The dependence of UC emission intensity on excitation power density showed that all of green, red and NIR UC emissions are involved in two-photon process. The UC emission mechanisms were discussed in detail. Concentration dependence studies indicated that Ho³⁺ and Yb³⁺ concentrations had significant influences on UC luminescence intensity and the intensity ratio of the red UC emission to that of the green one. Rate equations were established based on the possible UC mechanisms and a theoretical formula was proposed to describe the concentration dependent UC emission. The UC luminescence properties of the presented material was evaluated by comparing with commercial NaYF₄:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ phosphor, and our sample showed a high luminescence efficiency and good color performance, implying potential applications in a variety of fields.