Short wavelength emission properties of Tm3+ and Tm3++Yb3+ doped LaAlO3 nanocrystals and polymer composites

Abstract In this work we discuss the UV-blue luminescent properties of LaAlO3 nanocrystals doped with thulium and doubly doped with thulium and ytterbium ions as well as PMMA-based composites doped with these nanocrystals. The set of nanopowders differing in activator concentration was manufactured and exposed to versatile optical characterization, covering measurements of emission and excitation spectra as well as luminescence kinetics profiles, which enabled discussion of main processes responsible for populating the excited states of thulium. Also, the up-conversion properties of Tm3++Yb3+:LaAlO3 nanocrystals were studied using an unique spectroscopic tool – hydrostatic pressure tuned semiconductor laser. All these experimental works enabled determination of the samples of optimal properties for further processing into a form of polymer composites, which have been characterized with respect of luminescent properties under direct and up-conversion excitation.