Experimental demonstration of plasmon enhanced energy transfer rate in NaYF4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) upconversion nanoparticles.

ABSTRACT: Energy transfer upconversion (ETU) is known to be the most efficient frequency upconversion mechanism. Surface plasmon can further enhance the upconversion process, opening doors to many applications. However, ETU is a complex process involving competing transitions between multiple energy levels and it has been difficult to precisely determine the enhancement mechanisms. In this paper, we report a systematic study on the dynamics of the ETU process in NaYF4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) nanoparticles deposited on plasmonic nanograting structure. From the transient near-infrared photoluminescence under various excitation power densities, we observed faster energy transfer rates under stronger excitation conditions until it reached saturation where the highest internal upconversion efficiency was achieved.

SUBMITTER: Lu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4703967 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature