NaYF₄:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺,Ce³⁺ nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized by using a solvothermal approach. Under the excitation of a 980 nm laser, the 1.53 μm emission band of Er³⁺ ions in the NCs was enhanced by 6 times after codoping Ce³⁺ ions owing to the efficient energy transfer between Ce³⁺ and Er³⁺: ⁴I_11/2 (Er^{3 +}) + ²F_5/2 (Ce³⁺) → ⁴I_13/2 (Er³⁺) + ²F_7/2 (Ce³⁺). By dispersing the NaYF₄:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺,Ce³⁺ NCs into SU-8 2005 polymer matrix, we constructed Er³⁺-doped polymer-based optical waveguide amplifiers (EDPOWAs) and measured their performances. The measured optical gain of the EDPOWA doped with NaYF₄: Er³⁺,Yb³⁺,Ce³⁺ NCs was enhanced by ~2dB in comparison with that doped with NaYF₄:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺ NCs. These results showed that NaYF₄:Er³⁺,Yb³⁺,Ce³⁺ NCs are promising candidates for building high gain EDPOWAs.

© 2013 OSA

1. S. Bo, J. Wang, H. Zhao, H. Ren, Q. Wang, G. Xu, X. Zhang, X. Liu, and Z. Zhen, “LaF3: Er,Yb doped sol–gel polymeric optical waveguide amplifiers,” Appl. Phys. B91(1), 79–83 (2008). [CrossRef]
2. W. H. Wong, E. Y. B. Pun, and K. S. Chan, “Er3+–Yb3+ codoped polymeric optical waveguide amplifiers,” Appl. Phys. Lett.84(2), 176–178 (2004). [CrossRef]
3. J. A. Dorman, J. H. Choi, G. Kuzmanich, and J. P. Chang, “Elucidating the effects of a rare-earth oxide shell on the luminescence dynamics of Er3+:Y2O3 nanoparticles,” J. Phys. Chem. C116(18), 10333–10340 (2012). [CrossRef]
4. Y. B. Mao, J. Y. Huang, R. Ostroumov, K. L. Wang, and J. P. Chang, “Synthesis and Luminescence properties of erbium-doped Y2O3 nanotubes,” J. Phys. Chem. C112(7), 2278–2285 (2008). [CrossRef]
5. S. H. Bo, J. Hu, Z. Chen, Q. Wang, G. M. Xu, X. H. Liu, and Z. Zhen, “Core-shell LaF3:Er,Yb nanocrystal doped sol–gel materials as waveguide amplifiers,” Appl. Phys. B97(3), 665–669 (2009). [CrossRef]
6. C. Chen, D. Zhang, T. Li, D. Zhang, L. Song, and Z. Zhen, “Erbium-ytterbium codoped waveguide amplifier fabricated with solution-processable complex,” Appl. Phys. Lett.94(4), 041119 (2009). [CrossRef]
7. D. Zhang, C. Chen, C. Chen, C. Ma, D. Zhang, S. Bo, and Z. Zhen, “Optical gain at 1535 nm in LaF3:Er,Yb nanoparticle-doped organic-inorganic hybrid material waveguide,” Appl. Phys. Lett.91(16), 161109 (2007). [CrossRef]
8. J. W. Stouwdam, G. A. Hebbink, J. Huskens, and F. van Veggel, “Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles with excellent luminescent properties in organic media,” Chem. Mater.15(24), 4604–4616 (2003). [CrossRef]
9. J. W. Stouwdam and F. C. van Veggel, “Improvement in the luminescence properties and processability of LaF3/Ln and LaPO4/Ln nanoparticles by surface modification,” Langmuir20(26), 11763–11771 (2004). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
10. J. Wang, J. Hu, D. Tang, X. Liu, and Z. Zhen, “Oleic acid (OA)-modified LaF3:Er,Yb nanocrystals and their polymer hybrid materials for potential optical-amplification applications,” J. Mater. Chem.17(16), 1597–1601 (2007). [CrossRef]
11. K. L. Lei, C. F. Chow, K. C. Tsang, E. N. Y. Lei, V. A. L. Roy, M. H. W. Lam, C. S. Lee, E. Y. B. Pun, and J. S. Li, “Long aliphatic chain coated rare-earth nanocrystal as polymer-based optical waveguide amplifiers,” J. Mater. Chem.20(35), 7526–7529 (2010). [CrossRef]
12. F. Wang, Y. Han, C. S. Lim, Y. H. Lu, J. Wang, J. Xu, H. Y. Chen, C. Zhang, M. H. Hong, and X. G. Liu, “Simultaneous phase and size control of upconversion nanocrystals through lanthanide doping,” Nature463(7284), 1061–1065 (2010). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
13. J. C. Boyer, F. Vetrone, L. A. Cuccia, and J. A. Capobianco, “Synthesis of colloidal upconverting NaYF4 nanocrystals doped with Er3+, Yb3+ and Tm3+, Yb3+ via thermal decomposition of lanthanide trifluoroacetate precursors,” J. Am. Chem. Soc.128(23), 7444–7445 (2006). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
14. Y. S. Liu, D. T. Tu, H. M. Zhu, R. F. Li, W. Q. Luo, and X. Y. Chen, “A strategy to achieve efficient dual-mode luminescence of Eu3+ in lanthanides doped multifunctional NaGdF4 nanocrystals,” Adv. Mater.22(30), 3266–3271 (2010). [CrossRef]
15. L. Li, C. K. Tsung, Z. Yang, G. D. Stucky, L. D. Sun, J. F. Wang, and C. H. Yan, “Rare-earth-doped nanocrystalline titania microspheres emitting luminescence via energy transfer,” Adv. Mater.20(5), 903–908 (2008). [CrossRef]
16. W. Qin, D. Zhang, D. Zhao, L. Wang, and K. Zheng, “Near-infrared photocatalysis based on YF3: Yb3+,Tm3+/TiO2 core/shell nanoparticles,” Chem. Commun. (Camb.)46(13), 2304–2306 (2010). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
17. N. Liu, W. Qin, G. Qin, T. Jiang, and D. Zhao, “Highly plasmon-enhanced upconversion emissions from Au@β-NaYF4:Yb,Tm hybrid nanostructures,” Chem. Commun. (Camb.)47(27), 7671–7673 (2011). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
18. H. Q. Wang, M. Batentschuk, A. Osvet, L. Pinna, and C. J. Brabec, “Rare-earth ion doped up-conversion materials for photovoltaic applications,” Adv. Mater.23(22-23), 2675–2680 (2011). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
19. T. Trupke, M. A. Green, and P. Wurfel, “Improving solar cell efficiencies by up-conversion of sub-band-gap light,” J. Appl. Phys.92(7), 4117–4122 (2002). [CrossRef]
20. B. Henke, B. Ahrens, J. A. Johnson, P. T. Miclea, and S. Schweizer, “Upconverted fluorescence in Er-doped ZBLAN glasses for high efficiency solar cells,” Proc. SPIE7411, 74110E (2009). [CrossRef]
21. Z. Meng, T. Yoshimura, K. Fukue, M. Higashihata, Y. Nakata, and T. Okada, “Large improvement in quantum fluorescence yield of Er3+-doped fluorozirconate and fluoroindate glasses by Ce3+ codoping,” J. Appl. Phys.88(5), 2187–2190 (2000). [CrossRef]
22. K. Nagamatsu, S. Nagaoka, M. Higashihata, N. J. Vasa, Z. Meng, S. Buddhudu, T. Okada, Y. Kubota, N. Nishimura, and T. Teshima, “Influence of Yb3+ and Ce3+ codoping on fluorescence characteristics of Er3+-doped fluoride glass under 980 nm excitation,” Opt. Mater.27(2), 337–342 (2004). [CrossRef]
23. D. Q. Chen, Y. S. Wang, Y. L. Yu, E. Ma, and Z. J. Hu, “Spectroscopic properties of Er3+ ions in transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing CaF2 nanocrystals,” J. Phys. Condens. Matter17(41), 6545–6557 (2005). [CrossRef]
24. Y. L. Yu, Z. F. Shan, D. Q. Chen, P. Huang, H. Lin, and Y. S. Wang, “Improving Er3+ 1.53 μm luminescence by CeF3 nanocrystallization in aluminosilicate glass,” J. Appl. Phys.108(12), 123523 (2010). [CrossRef]
25. D. Q. Chen, Y. S. Wang, Y. L. Yu, E. Ma, F. Bao, Z. J. Hu, and Y. Cheng, “Luminescence at 1.53 μm for a new Er3+-doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramic,” Mater. Res. Bull.41(6), 1112–1117 (2006). [CrossRef]
26. M. Wang, C. C. Mi, Y. X. Zhang, J. L. Liu, F. Li, C. B. Mao, and S. K. Xu, “NIR-responsive silica-coated NaYbF4:Er/Tm/Ho upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles with tunable emission colors and their applications in immunolabeling and fluorescent imaging of cancer cells,” J. Phys. Chem. C113(44), 19021–19027 (2009). [CrossRef]
27. S. X. Shen, B. Richards, and A. Jha, “Enhancement in pump inversion efficiency at 980 nm in Er3+/Eu3+ and Er3+/Ce3+ doped tellurite glass fibers,” Opt. Express14(12), 5050–5054 (2006). [CrossRef]
28. E. Sani, A. Toncelli, and M. Tonelli, “Effect of Cerium codoping on Er:BaY2F8 crystals,” Opt. Express13(22), 8980–8992 (2005). [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Adv. Mater.

• Y. S. Liu, D. T. Tu, H. M. Zhu, R. F. Li, W. Q. Luo, and X. Y. Chen, “A strategy to achieve efficient dual-mode luminescence of Eu3+ in lanthanides doped multifunctional NaGdF4 nanocrystals,” Adv. Mater.22(30), 3266–3271 (2010). [CrossRef]
• L. Li, C. K. Tsung, Z. Yang, G. D. Stucky, L. D. Sun, J. F. Wang, and C. H. Yan, “Rare-earth-doped nanocrystalline titania microspheres emitting luminescence via energy transfer,” Adv. Mater.20(5), 903–908 (2008). [CrossRef]
• H. Q. Wang, M. Batentschuk, A. Osvet, L. Pinna, and C. J. Brabec, “Rare-earth ion doped up-conversion materials for photovoltaic applications,” Adv. Mater.23(22-23), 2675–2680 (2011). [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Appl. Phys. B

• S. Bo, J. Wang, H. Zhao, H. Ren, Q. Wang, G. Xu, X. Zhang, X. Liu, and Z. Zhen, “LaF3: Er,Yb doped sol–gel polymeric optical waveguide amplifiers,” Appl. Phys. B91(1), 79–83 (2008). [CrossRef]
• S. H. Bo, J. Hu, Z. Chen, Q. Wang, G. M. Xu, X. H. Liu, and Z. Zhen, “Core-shell LaF3:Er,Yb nanocrystal doped sol–gel materials as waveguide amplifiers,” Appl. Phys. B97(3), 665–669 (2009). [CrossRef]

Appl. Phys. Lett.

• C. Chen, D. Zhang, T. Li, D. Zhang, L. Song, and Z. Zhen, “Erbium-ytterbium codoped waveguide amplifier fabricated with solution-processable complex,” Appl. Phys. Lett.94(4), 041119 (2009). [CrossRef]
• D. Zhang, C. Chen, C. Chen, C. Ma, D. Zhang, S. Bo, and Z. Zhen, “Optical gain at 1535 nm in LaF3:Er,Yb nanoparticle-doped organic-inorganic hybrid material waveguide,” Appl. Phys. Lett.91(16), 161109 (2007). [CrossRef]
• W. H. Wong, E. Y. B. Pun, and K. S. Chan, “Er3+–Yb3+ codoped polymeric optical waveguide amplifiers,” Appl. Phys. Lett.84(2), 176–178 (2004). [CrossRef]

Chem. Commun. (Camb.)

• W. Qin, D. Zhang, D. Zhao, L. Wang, and K. Zheng, “Near-infrared photocatalysis based on YF3: Yb3+,Tm3+/TiO2 core/shell nanoparticles,” Chem. Commun. (Camb.)46(13), 2304–2306 (2010). [CrossRef] [PubMed]
• N. Liu, W. Qin, G. Qin, T. Jiang, and D. Zhao, “Highly plasmon-enhanced upconversion emissions from Au@β-NaYF4:Yb,Tm hybrid nanostructures,” Chem. Commun. (Camb.)47(27), 7671–7673 (2011). [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Chem. Mater.

• J. W. Stouwdam, G. A. Hebbink, J. Huskens, and F. van Veggel, “Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles with excellent luminescent properties in organic media,” Chem. Mater.15(24), 4604–4616 (2003). [CrossRef]

J. Am. Chem. Soc.

• J. C. Boyer, F. Vetrone, L. A. Cuccia, and J. A. Capobianco, “Synthesis of colloidal upconverting NaYF4 nanocrystals doped with Er3+, Yb3+ and Tm3+, Yb3+ via thermal decomposition of lanthanide trifluoroacetate precursors,” J. Am. Chem. Soc.128(23), 7444–7445 (2006). [CrossRef] [PubMed]

J. Appl. Phys.

• Z. Meng, T. Yoshimura, K. Fukue, M. Higashihata, Y. Nakata, and T. Okada, “Large improvement in quantum fluorescence yield of Er3+-doped fluorozirconate and fluoroindate glasses by Ce3+ codoping,” J. Appl. Phys.88(5), 2187–2190 (2000). [CrossRef]
• Y. L. Yu, Z. F. Shan, D. Q. Chen, P. Huang, H. Lin, and Y. S. Wang, “Improving Er3+ 1.53 μm luminescence by CeF3 nanocrystallization in aluminosilicate glass,” J. Appl. Phys.108(12), 123523 (2010). [CrossRef]
• T. Trupke, M. A. Green, and P. Wurfel, “Improving solar cell efficiencies by up-conversion of sub-band-gap light,” J. Appl. Phys.92(7), 4117–4122 (2002). [CrossRef]

J. Mater. Chem.

• J. Wang, J. Hu, D. Tang, X. Liu, and Z. Zhen, “Oleic acid (OA)-modified LaF3:Er,Yb nanocrystals and their polymer hybrid materials for potential optical-amplification applications,” J. Mater. Chem.17(16), 1597–1601 (2007). [CrossRef]
• K. L. Lei, C. F. Chow, K. C. Tsang, E. N. Y. Lei, V. A. L. Roy, M. H. W. Lam, C. S. Lee, E. Y. B. Pun, and J. S. Li, “Long aliphatic chain coated rare-earth nanocrystal as polymer-based optical waveguide amplifiers,” J. Mater. Chem.20(35), 7526–7529 (2010). [CrossRef]

J. Phys. Chem. C

• J. A. Dorman, J. H. Choi, G. Kuzmanich, and J. P. Chang, “Elucidating the effects of a rare-earth oxide shell on the luminescence dynamics of Er3+:Y2O3 nanoparticles,” J. Phys. Chem. C116(18), 10333–10340 (2012). [CrossRef]
• Y. B. Mao, J. Y. Huang, R. Ostroumov, K. L. Wang, and J. P. Chang, “Synthesis and Luminescence properties of erbium-doped Y2O3 nanotubes,” J. Phys. Chem. C112(7), 2278–2285 (2008). [CrossRef]
• M. Wang, C. C. Mi, Y. X. Zhang, J. L. Liu, F. Li, C. B. Mao, and S. K. Xu, “NIR-responsive silica-coated NaYbF4:Er/Tm/Ho upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles with tunable emission colors and their applications in immunolabeling and fluorescent imaging of cancer cells,” J. Phys. Chem. C113(44), 19021–19027 (2009). [CrossRef]

J. Phys. Condens. Matter

• D. Q. Chen, Y. S. Wang, Y. L. Yu, E. Ma, and Z. J. Hu, “Spectroscopic properties of Er3+ ions in transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing CaF2 nanocrystals,” J. Phys. Condens. Matter17(41), 6545–6557 (2005). [CrossRef]

Langmuir

• J. W. Stouwdam and F. C. van Veggel, “Improvement in the luminescence properties and processability of LaF3/Ln and LaPO4/Ln nanoparticles by surface modification,” Langmuir20(26), 11763–11771 (2004). [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Mater. Res. Bull.

• D. Q. Chen, Y. S. Wang, Y. L. Yu, E. Ma, F. Bao, Z. J. Hu, and Y. Cheng, “Luminescence at 1.53 μm for a new Er3+-doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramic,” Mater. Res. Bull.41(6), 1112–1117 (2006). [CrossRef]

Nature

• F. Wang, Y. Han, C. S. Lim, Y. H. Lu, J. Wang, J. Xu, H. Y. Chen, C. Zhang, M. H. Hong, and X. G. Liu, “Simultaneous phase and size control of upconversion nanocrystals through lanthanide doping,” Nature463(7284), 1061–1065 (2010). [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Opt. Express

• S. X. Shen, B. Richards, and A. Jha, “Enhancement in pump inversion efficiency at 980 nm in Er3+/Eu3+ and Er3+/Ce3+ doped tellurite glass fibers,” Opt. Express14(12), 5050–5054 (2006). [CrossRef]
• E. Sani, A. Toncelli, and M. Tonelli, “Effect of Cerium codoping on Er:BaY2F8 crystals,” Opt. Express13(22), 8980–8992 (2005). [CrossRef] [PubMed]

Opt. Mater.

• K. Nagamatsu, S. Nagaoka, M. Higashihata, N. J. Vasa, Z. Meng, S. Buddhudu, T. Okada, Y. Kubota, N. Nishimura, and T. Teshima, “Influence of Yb3+ and Ce3+ codoping on fluorescence characteristics of Er3+-doped fluoride glass under 980 nm excitation,” Opt. Mater.27(2), 337–342 (2004). [CrossRef]

Proc. SPIE

• B. Henke, B. Ahrens, J. A. Johnson, P. T. Miclea, and S. Schweizer, “Upconverted fluorescence in Er-doped ZBLAN glasses for high efficiency solar cells,” Proc. SPIE7411, 74110E (2009). [CrossRef]

Click here to see a list of articles that cite this paper

Related Journal Articles

• Praseodymium-doped alkali bismuth gallate glasses (JOSAB)
• Cooperative upconversion and energy transfer of new high Er³⁺- and Yb³⁺–Er³⁺-doped phosphate glasses (JOSAB)
• Concentration effects in the photodegradation of lissamine-functionalized neodymium complexes in polymer waveguides (JOSAB)
• Numerical analyses of the population dynamics and determination of the upconversion coefficients in a new high erbium-doped tellurite glass (JOSAB)
• Erbium-doped potassium bismuth gallate glasses (JOSAB)

Related Conference Papers

• Investigation of pump wavelength dependence of long-wavelength-band erbium-doped fiber amplifier using 1530nm-band pump for wdm amplification
• Er Doped As²S³Photoresist for 3-D Direct Laser Fabrication of 3-D Nanostructures
• Single-Crystal Erbium Chloride Silicate Nanowires for Novel Si-Compatible Sources at 1.53 μm
• Single-Crystal Erbium Chloride Silicate Nanowires for Novel Si-Compatible Sources at 1.53 μm
• Strain-Induced Self-rolling of Semiconductor Membranes: Effect of Geometry, Energetics, and Kinetics
• Strain-Induced Self-rolling of Semiconductor Membranes: Effect of Geometry, Energetics, and Kinetics
• Significant increase of photoluminescence lifetime at 1.5 μm in erbium chloride silicate nanowires