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Sample records for upconversion luminescence imaging

  1. The upconversion luminescence and magnetism in Yb3+/Ho3+ co-doped LaF3 nanocrystals for potential bimodal imaging

    Science.gov (United States)

    Syamchand, Sasidharanpillai S.; George, Sony

    2016-12-01

    Biocompatible upconversion nanoparticles with multifunctional properties can serve as potential nanoprobes for multimodal imaging. Herein, we report an upconversion nanocrystal based on lanthanum fluoride which is developed to address the imaging modalities, upconversion luminescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Lanthanide ions (Yb3+ and Ho3+) doped LaF3 nanocrystals (LaF3 Yb3+/Ho3+) are fabricated through a rapid microwave-assisted synthesis. The hexagonal phase LaF3 nanocrystals exhibit nearly spherical morphology with average diameter of 9.8 nm. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis estimated the doping concentration of Yb3+ and Ho3+ as 3.99 and 0.41%, respectively. The nanocrystals show upconversion luminescence when irradiated with near-infrared (NIR) photons of wavelength 980 nm. The emission spectrum consists of bands centred at 542, 645 and 658 nm. The stronger green emission at 542 nm and the weak red emissions at 645 and 658 nm are assigned to 5S2 → 5I8 and 5F5 → 5I8 transitions of Ho3+, respectively. The pump power dependence of luminescence intensity confirmed the two-photon upconversion process. The nanocrystals exhibit paramagnetism due to the presence of lanthanide ion dopant Ho3+ and the magnetization is 19.81 emu/g at room temperature. The nanocrystals exhibit a longitudinal relaxivity ( r 1) of 0.12 s-1 mM-1 and transverse relaxivity ( r 2) of 28.18 s-1 mM-1, which makes the system suitable for developing T2 MRI contrast agents based on holmium. The LaF3 Yb3+/Ho3+ nanocrystals are surface modified by PEGylation to improve biocompatibility and enhance further functionalisation. The PEGylated nanocrystals are found to be non-toxic up to 50 μg/mL for 48 h of incubation, which is confirmed by the MTT assay as well as morphological studies in HeLa cells. The upconversion luminescence and magnetism together with biocompatibility enables the adaptability of the present system as a nanoprobe for potential

  2. Recent Advance of Biological Molecular Imaging Based on Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion-Luminescent Nanomaterials

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yuanzeng Min

    2014-02-01

    Full Text Available Lanthanide-doped upconversion-luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs, which can be excited by near-infrared (NIR laser irradiation to emit multiplex light, have been proven to be very useful for in vitro and in vivo molecular imaging studies. In comparison with the conventionally used down-conversion fluorescence imaging strategies, the NIR light excited luminescence of UCNPs displays high photostability, low cytotoxicity, little background auto-fluorescence, which allows for deep tissue penetration, making them attractive as contrast agents for biomedical imaging applications. In this review, we will mainly focus on the latest development of a new type of lanthanide-doped UCNP material and its main applications for in vitro and in vivo molecular imaging and we will also discuss the challenges and future perspectives.

  3. The upconversion luminescence and magnetism in Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} co-doped LaF{sub 3} nanocrystals for potential bimodal imaging

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Syamchand, Sasidharanpillai S., E-mail: syamchand.ss@gmail.com; George, Sony, E-mail: emailtosony@gmail.com [University of Kerala, Department of Chemistry (India)

    2016-12-15

    Biocompatible upconversion nanoparticles with multifunctional properties can serve as potential nanoprobes for multimodal imaging. Herein, we report an upconversion nanocrystal based on lanthanum fluoride which is developed to address the imaging modalities, upconversion luminescence imaging and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Lanthanide ions (Yb{sup 3+} and Ho{sup 3+}) doped LaF{sub 3} nanocrystals (LaF{sub 3} Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+}) are fabricated through a rapid microwave-assisted synthesis. The hexagonal phase LaF{sub 3} nanocrystals exhibit nearly spherical morphology with average diameter of 9.8 nm. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis estimated the doping concentration of Yb{sup 3+} and Ho{sup 3+} as 3.99 and 0.41%, respectively. The nanocrystals show upconversion luminescence when irradiated with near-infrared (NIR) photons of wavelength 980 nm. The emission spectrum consists of bands centred at 542, 645 and 658 nm. The stronger green emission at 542 nm and the weak red emissions at 645 and 658 nm are assigned to {sup 5}S{sub 2} → {sup 5}I{sub 8} and {sup 5}F{sub 5} → {sup 5}I{sub 8} transitions of Ho{sup 3+}, respectively. The pump power dependence of luminescence intensity confirmed the two-photon upconversion process. The nanocrystals exhibit paramagnetism due to the presence of lanthanide ion dopant Ho{sup 3+} and the magnetization is 19.81 emu/g at room temperature. The nanocrystals exhibit a longitudinal relaxivity (r{sub 1}) of 0.12 s{sup −1} mM{sup −1} and transverse relaxivity (r{sub 2}) of 28.18 s{sup −1} mM{sup −1}, which makes the system suitable for developing T2 MRI contrast agents based on holmium. The LaF{sub 3} Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} nanocrystals are surface modified by PEGylation to improve biocompatibility and enhance further functionalisation. The PEGylated nanocrystals are found to be non-toxic up to 50 μg/mL for 48 h of incubation, which is confirmed by the MTT assay as well as

  4. The Intersection of CMOS Microsystems and Upconversion Nanoparticles for Luminescence Bioimaging and Bioassays

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Liping Wei

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available Organic fluorophores and quantum dots are ubiquitous as contrast agents for bio-imaging and as labels in bioassays to enable the detection of biological targets and processes. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs offer a different set of opportunities as labels in bioassays and for bioimaging. UCNPs are excited at near-infrared (NIR wavelengths where biological molecules are optically transparent, and their luminesce in the visible and ultraviolet (UV wavelength range is suitable for detection using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS technology. These nanoparticles provide multiple sharp emission bands, long lifetimes, tunable emission, high photostability, and low cytotoxicity, which render them particularly useful for bio-imaging applications and multiplexed bioassays. This paper surveys several key concepts surrounding upconversion nanoparticles and the systems that detect and process the corresponding luminescence signals. The principle of photon upconversion, tuning of emission wavelengths, UCNP bioassays, and UCNP time-resolved techniques are described. Electronic readout systems for signal detection and processing suitable for UCNP luminescence using CMOS technology are discussed. This includes recent progress in miniaturized detectors, integrated spectral sensing, and high-precision time-domain circuits. Emphasis is placed on the physical attributes of UCNPs that map strongly to the technical features that CMOS devices excel in delivering, exploring the interoperability between the two technologies.

  5. Intense upconversion luminescence in ytterbium-sensitized thulium-doped oxychloride germanate glass

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun Hongtao; Zhanga Liyan; Zhang Junjie; Wen Lei; Yu Chunlei; Duan Zhongchao; Dai Shixun; Hu Lili; Jiang Zhonghong

    2005-01-01

    Structural and upconversion fluorescence properties in ytterbium-sensitized thulium-doped oxychloride germanate glass have been studied. The structure of oxychloride germanate glass was investigated by peak-deconvolution of Raman spectrum, and the structural information was obtained from the peak wavenumbers. The Raman spectrum investigation indicates that PbCl 2 plays an important role in the formation of glass network, and has an important influence on the upconversion luminescence. Intense blue and weak red emissions centered at 477 and 650 nm, corresponding to the transitions 1 G 4 → 3 H 6 and 1 G 4 → 3 H 4 , respectively, were observed at room temperature. The possible upconversion mechanisms are discussed and estimated. Intense upconversion luminescence indicates that oxychloride germanate glass can be used as potential host material for upconversion lasers

  6. Magnetic nanosensor particles in luminescence upconversion capability.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wilhelm, Stefan; Hirsch, Thomas; Scheucher, Elisabeth; Mayr, Torsten; Wolfbeis, Otto S

    2011-09-05

    Nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit interesting size-dependent electrical, optical, magnetic, and chemical properties that cannot be observed in their bulk counterparts. The synthesis of NPs (i.e., crystalline particles ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm) has been intensely studied in the past decades. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) form a particularly attractive class of NPs and have found numerous applications such as in magnetic resonance imaging to visualize cancer, cardiovascular, neurological and other diseases. Other uses include drug targeting, tissue imaging, magnetic immobilization, hyperthermia, and magnetic resonance imaging. MNPs, due to their magnetic properties, can be easily separated from (often complex) matrices and manipulated by applying external magnetic field. Near-infrared to visible upconversion luminescent nanoparticles (UCLNPs) form another type of unusual nanoparticles. They are capable of emitting visible light upon NIR light excitation. Lanthanide-doped (Yb, Er) hexagonal NaYF₄ UCLNPs are the most efficient upconversion phosphors known up to now. The use of UCLNPs for in vitro imaging of cancer cells and in vivo imaging in tissues has been demonstrated. UCLNPs show great potential as a new class of luminophores for biological, biomedical, and sensor applications. We are reporting here on our first results on the combination of MNP and UCLNP technology within an ongoing project supported by the DFG and the FWF (Austria).

  7. Redox-induced reversible luminescence switching of cerium-doped upconversion nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Huang, Yanan [College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); International Laboratory for Adaptive Bio-nanotechnology, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215123 (China); Xiao, Qingbo, E-mail: qbxiao2011@sinano.ac.cn [International Laboratory for Adaptive Bio-nanotechnology, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215123 (China); Wang, Jian [College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); International Laboratory for Adaptive Bio-nanotechnology, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215123 (China); Xi, Yonglan [Laboratory for Agricultural Wastes Treatment and Recycling Institute of Agricultural Resources and Environment, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanjing 210014 (China); Li, Fujin [International Laboratory for Adaptive Bio-nanotechnology, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215123 (China); Feng, Yamin [College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); International Laboratory for Adaptive Bio-nanotechnology, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215123 (China); Shi, Liyi [College of Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444 (China); Lin, Hongzhen, E-mail: hzlin2010@sinano.ac.cn [International Laboratory for Adaptive Bio-nanotechnology, Suzhou Institute of Nano-tech and Nano-bionics (SINANO), Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou 215123 (China)

    2016-05-15

    Smart upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) that can be reversibly switched between two or more luminescent states by certain external stimuli have attracted considerable attention due to their great potential in biological applications. Here we report for the first time a type of redox-switchable UCNPs by codoping NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er nanorods with the redox-active Ce{sup 3+}/Ce{sup 4+} ion pairs. A reversible switching of their UC luminescence intensity was observed upon the variation of the surrounding redox environments. We show solid proof that the luminescence switching is caused by the tailoring of the NaGdF{sub 4} host crystal structure in response to changing redox state of the codoped cerium ions. A proof-of-concept example is further demonstrated by using these UCNPs for probing the dynamical variation of redox environments in biological tissues. - Highlights: • Synthesis of upconversion nanoparticles doped with Ce{sup 3+}/Ce{sup 4+} ions. • The precise and reversible modification of crystal structure by redox reactions. • Tuning the upconversion luminescence by tailoring the crystal structure.

  8. Delivery and reveal of localization of upconversion luminescent microparticles and quantum dots in the skin in vivo by fractional laser microablation, multimodal imaging, and optical clearing

    Science.gov (United States)

    Volkova, Elena K.; Yanina, Irina Yu; Genina, Elina A.; Bashkatov, Alexey N.; Konyukhova, Julia G.; Popov, Alexey P.; Speranskaya, Elena S.; Bucharskaya, Alla B.; Navolokin, Nikita A.; Goryacheva, Irina Yu.; Kochubey, Vyacheslav I.; Sukhorukov, Gleb B.; Meglinski, Igor V.; Tuchin, Valery V.

    2018-02-01

    Delivery and spatial localization of upconversion luminescent microparticles [Y2O3:Yb, Er] (mean size ˜1.6 μm) and quantum dots (QDs) (CuInS2/ZnS nanoparticles coated with polyethylene glycol-based amphiphilic polymer, mean size ˜20 nm) inside rat skin was studied in vivo using a multimodal optical imaging approach. The particles were embedded into the skin dermis to the depth from 300 to 500 μm through microchannels performed by fractional laser microablation. Low-frequency ultrasound was applied to enhance penetration of the particles into the skin. Visualization of the particles was revealed using a combination of luminescent spectroscopy, optical coherence tomography, confocal microscopy, and histochemical analysis. Optical clearing was used to enhance the image contrast of the luminescent signal from the particles. It was demonstrated that the penetration depth of particles depends on their size, resulting in a different detection time interval (days) of the luminescent signal from microparticles and QDs inside the rat skin in vivo. We show that luminescent signal from the upconversion microparticles and QDs was detected after the particle delivery into the rat skin in vivo during eighth and fourth days, respectively. We hypothesize that the upconversion microparticles have created a long-time depot localized in the laser-created channels, as the QDs spread over the surrounding tissues.

  9. Co-precipitation synthesis and upconversion luminescence ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Introduction. Researches of rare-earth-doped upconversion (UC) materials as fluorescent labels, temperature-sensing probes, solid-state lasers and new generation television screens have recently started to be considered1,2 due to their enhanced luminescent properties induced by the small size. UC process is the gener-.

  10. LUMINESCENCE DIAGNOSTICS OF TUMORS WITH UPCONVERSION NANOPARTICLES

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    V. V. Rocheva

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: To improve quality of surgery in oncology, it is necessary to completely remove the tumor, including its metastases, to minimize injury to normal tissues and to reduce duration of an intervention. Modern methods of detection based on radiological computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging can identify a tumor after its volume has become big enough, i.e. it contains more than 10 billion cells. Therefore, an improvement of sensitivity and resolution ability of diagnostic tools to identify early stages of malignant neoplasms seems of utmost importance. Aim: To demonstrate the potential of a new class of anti-Stokes luminescence nanoparticles for deep optical imaging with high contrast of malignant tumors. Materials and methods: Upconversion nanoparticles with narrow dispersion and a  size of 70 to 80  nm, with a  core/shell structure of NaYF4:Yb3+:Tm3+/NaYF4 were used in the study. The nanoparticles have an intensive band of anti-Stokes photoluminescence at a wavelength of 800  nm under irradiation with a  wavelength of 975  nm (both wavelengths are within the transparency window for biological tissues. The conversion coefficient of the excitation radiation into the anti-Stokes luminescence was 9%. To increase the time during which nanoparticles can circulate in blood flow of small animals, the nanoparticles were covered by a  biocompatible amphiphilic polymer shell. As a  tumor model we used Lewis epidermoid carcinoma transfected to mice. Results: We were able to obtain stable water colloids of nanoparticles covered with amphiphilic polymer that could preserve their initial size at least for one month. The use of upconversion nanoparticles with a  hydrophilic shell made of intermittent maleic anhydride and octadecene co-polymer with subsequent coating with diglycidyl polyethylene glycol ether allowed for reduction of non-specific reaction of nanoparticles with plasma proteins. In its turn, it resulted in an

  11. Co-precipitation synthesis and upconversion luminescence ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    ... light: strong green (539 nm), weak red (670 nm) and near-infrared (760 nm). The upconversion luminescence is based on two-photon absorption by the energy transfer from the donor (Yb3+) to the acceptor (Ho3+). All the results indicate that ZrO2:Yb3+-Ho3+ phosphors could be a promising biological labelling material.

  12. NIR Ratiometric Luminescence Detection of pH Fluctuation in Living Cells with Hemicyanine Derivative-Assembled Upconversion Nanophosphors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Haixia; Dong, Hao; Yu, Mingming; Liu, Chunxia; Li, Zhanxian; Wei, Liuhe; Sun, Ling-Dong; Zhang, Hongyan

    2017-09-05

    It is crucial for cell physiology to keep the homeostasis of pH, and it is highly demanded yet challenging to develop luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET)-based near-infrared (NIR) ratiometric luminescent sensor for the detection of pH fluctuation with NIR excitation. As promising energy donors for LRET, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been widely used to fabricate nanosensors, but the relatively low LRET efficiency limits their application in bioassay. To improve the LRET efficiency, core/shell/shell structured β-NaGdF 4 @NaYF 4 :Yb,Tm@NaYF 4 UCNPs were prepared and decorated with hemicyanine dyes as an LRET-based NIR ratiometric luminescent pH fluctuation-nanosensor for the first time. The as-developed nanosensor not only exhibits good antidisturbance ability, but it also can reversibly sense pH and linearly sense pH in a range of 6.0-9.0 and 6.8-9.0 from absorption and upconversion emission spectra, respectively. In addition, the nanosensor displays low dark toxicity under physiological temperature, indicating good biocompatibility. Furthermore, live cell imaging results revealed that the sensor can selectively monitor pH fluctuation via ratiometric upconversion luminescence behavior.

  13. Up-conversion luminescence of Er3+/Yb3+/Nd3+-codoped tellurite glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lu Longjun; Nie Qiuhua; Xu Tiefeng; Dai Shixun; Shen Xiang; Zhang Xianghua

    2007-01-01

    Up-conversion luminescence and energy transfer (ET) processes in Nd 3+ -Yb 3+ -Er 3+ triply doped TeO 2 -ZnO-Na 2 O glasses have been studied under 800 nm excitation. Intense green up-conversion emissions around 549 nm, which can be attributed to the Er 3+ : 4 S 3/2 →4 I 15/2 transition, are observed in triply doped samples. In contrast, the green emissions are hardly observed in Er 3+ singly doped and Er 3+ -Yb 3+ codoped samples under the same condition. Up-conversion luminescence intensity exhibits dependence of Yb 2 O 3 -concentration and Nd 2 O 3 -concentration. Up-conversion mechanism in the triply doped glasses under 800 nm pump is discussed by analyzing the ET among Nd 3+ , Yb 3+ and Er 3+ . And a possible up-conversion mechanism based on sequential ET from Nd 3+ to Er 3+ through Yb 3+ is proposed for green and red up-conversion emission processes

  14. Preparation and up-conversion luminescence of SrAlF{sub 5}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} nanorods

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhao, Jun [College of Life Science, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian, Liaoning 116600 (China); Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning 116026 (China); Hua, Ruinian, E-mail: rnhua@dlnu.edu.cn [College of Life Science, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian, Liaoning 116600 (China); Zhang, Wei; Feng, Zhiqing; Tang, Dongxin; Na, Liyan [College of Life Science, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian, Liaoning 116600 (China); Chen, Baojiu, E-mail: chenmbj@sohu.com [Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian, Liaoning 116026 (China)

    2014-03-05

    Graphical abstract: The SrAlF{sub 5} nanorods co-doped with various Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} concentrations was synthetized via a microemulsion-hydrothermal process for the first time. It was found that the optimum doping concentration of Yb{sup 3+} and Er{sup 3+} in SrAlF{sub 5} matrix was about 4 mol%. Furthermore, the temperature effect of upconversion luminescence was investigated. It was also found that the post heat-treatment could greatly improve upconversion luminescence. Highlights: • SrAlF{sub 5}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} nanorods were synthesized via a microemulsion-hydrothermal process. • Crystal structure and morphology were characterized by using XRD and FESEM. • The upconversion luminescence intensity depend on LD working current was studied. • The post heat-treatment could greatly improve upconversion luminescence. -- Abstract: Yb{sup 3+} and Er{sup 3+} co-doped SrAlF{sub 5} nanorods with average diameter of 35 nm and average length of 400 nm were synthesized via a microemulsion-hydrothermal process, and their crystal structure and morphology were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. The optimum doping concentration of Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} in SrAlF{sub 5} matrix was about 4 mol%. The upconversion luminescence intensity dependence on the laser diode (LD) working current was studied and the possible upconversion mechanism was analyzed. Furthermore, the temperature effect of upconversion luminescence was investigated. It was also found that the post heat-treatment could greatly improve upconversion luminescence.

  15. Investigation of luminescence properties in SiO2: Tb, Yb upconversion inverse opal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang Zhengwen; Yan Dong; Song Zhiguo; Zhou Dacheng; Yu Xue; Yang Yong; Yin Zhaoyi; Yan Lei; Wang Rongfei; Wu Hangjun; Qiu Jianbei

    2012-01-01

    The SiO 2 : Tb, Yb inverse opals with photonic band gap at 465 or 543 nm were prepared, and an effect of photonic band gap on upconversion spontaneous emission from Tb 3+ was investigated. The results show that the photonic band gap has a significant influence on the upconversion emission of the SiO 2 : Tb, Yb inverse opals. The upconversion luminescence of the Tb 3+ ions is suppressed in the inverse opal compared with the luminescence of that of the reference sample. - Highlights: ► Upconversion emission from Tb 3+ was observed in the SiO 2 : Tb, Yb inverse opal. ► UC emission of Tb 3+ was modulated by controlling the structure of inverse opal. ► UC emission of Tb 3+ was depressed in the inverse opal.

  16. A facile synthesis approach and impact of shell formation on morphological structure and luminescent properties of aqueous dispersible NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er upconversion nanorods

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ansari, Anees A., E-mail: aneesaansari@gmail.com [King Saud University, King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology (Saudi Arabia); Yadav, Ranvijay; Rai, S. B. [Banaras Hindu University, Department of Physics (India)

    2016-12-15

    A general facile synthesis approach was used for fabrication of highly emissive aqueous dispersible hexagonal phase upconversion luminescent NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er nanorods (core NRs) through metal complex decomposition process. An inert NaGdF{sub 4} and porous silica layers were grafted surrounding the surface of each and every NRs to enhance their luminescence efficiency and colloidal dispersibility in aqueous environment. Optical properties in terms of band gap energy of core, core/shell, and silica-coated core/shell/SiO{sub 2} nanorods were observed to investigate the influence of surface coating, which was gradually decreased after surface coating because of increase crystalline size after growth of inert and silica shells. The inert shell formation before silica surface grafting, upconversion luminescence intensity was greatly improved by about 20 times, owing to the effective surface passivation of the seed core and, therefore, protection of Er{sup 3+} ion in the core from the nonradiative decay caused by surface defects. Moreover, after silica coating, core/shell nanorods shows strong upconversion luminescence property similar to the hexagonal upconversion core NRs. It is expected that these NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er@NaGdF{sub 4}@SiO{sub 2} (core/shell/SiO{sub 2}) NRs including highly upconversion emissive and aqueous dispersible properties make them an ideal materials for various photonic-based potential applications such as in upconversion luminescent bioimaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and photodynamic therapy.

  17. Bright white upconversion luminescence from Er3+/Tm3+/Yb3+-doped titanate-based glasses prepared by aerodynamic levitation method

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Minghui; Yu, Jianding; Jiang, Wan; Liu, Yan; Ai, Fei; Wen, Haiqin; Jiang, Meng; Yu, Huimei; Pan, Xiuhong; Tang, Meibo; Gai, Lijun

    2017-10-01

    Aerodynamic levitation method was employed to prepare Er3+/Tm3+/Yb3+-doped titanate-based glasses. DTA results show that the glass performs high thermal stability with the glass transition temperature of 799 °C. The interaction among rare earth ions has been discussed by adjusting the relative concentration. Er3+ ions can quench the upconversion luminescence of Tm3+ ions. Tm3+ ions play a strong role in quenching the emissions of Er3+ and Tm3+ when the content of Tm3+ ions is greater than or equal 0.05. From the view of the ratio of red emission to green emission, Tm3+ ions can improve the red emission of Er3+ ions to some extent in contrast with the green emissions of Er3+ ions. 980 nm incident laser can be efficiently absorbed by Yb3+ ions. The relative intensity of red, green, and blue upconversion luminescence has been tuned to obtain white light. The composition with white upconversion luminescence of the color coordinate (0.291, 0.3292) has been found. Moreover, white upconversion luminescence mechanism is a two-photon process of ET, ESA, and cooperative sensitization. Rare earth ions doped titanate-based glasses with bright upconversion luminescence perform potential applications in color display, back light, et al.

  18. Upconversion luminescent logic gates and turn-on sensing of glutathione based on two-photon excited quantum dots conjugated with dopamine.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gui, Rijun; Jin, Hui; Liu, Xifeng; Wang, Zonghua; Zhang, Feifei; Xia, Jianfei; Yang, Min; Bi, Sai

    2014-12-07

    Under the two-photon excitation, upconversion luminescent "INHIBIT" and "OR" logic gates of water-dispersed CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were constituted by conjugating the QDs with dopamine. This facilitated the development of a novel QDs-based upconversion luminescent probe for efficient turn-on sensing of glutathione.

  19. Infrared to visible upconversion luminescence in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped CeO2 inverse opal

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yang, Zhengwen; Wu, Hangjun; Liao, Jiayan; Li, Wucai; Song, Zhiguo; Yang, Yong; Zhou, Dacheng; Wang, Rongfei; Qiu, Jianbei

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: • UC emission of Er 3+ was modified by introducing the structure of inverse opal. • Color tuning of CeO 2 :Yb, Er inverse opal was realized by inhibition of UC emission. • Two-photon excitation processes were observed in CeO 2 :Yb, Er inverse opal. -- Abstract: Infrared to visible upconversion luminescence has been investigated in Er 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped CeO 2 inverse opal. Under the excitation of 980 nm diode lasers, visible emissions centered at 525, 547, 561, 660 and 680 nm are observed, which are assigned to the Er 3+ transitions of 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 (525 nm), 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 (547, 561 nm), 4 F 9/2 → 4 I 15/2 (660 and 680 nm), respectively. The effect of photonic band gap on the upconversion luminescence intensity was also obtained. Additionally, the upconversion luminescence mechanism was studied. The dependence of Er 3+ upconversion emission intensity on pump power reveals that it is a two-photon excitation process

  20. Multifunctional BaYbF{sub 5}: Gd/Er upconversion nanoparticles for in vivo tri-modal upconversion optical, X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li, Xiaolong; Yi, Zhigao; Xue, Zhenluan; Zeng, Songjun, E-mail: songjunz@hunnu.edu.cn; Liu, Hongrong, E-mail: hrliu@hunnu.edu.cn

    2017-06-01

    Development of high-quality upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with combination of the merits of multiple molecular imaging techniques, such as, upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging, X-ray computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, could significantly improve the accuracy of biological diagnosis. In this work, multifunctional BaYbF{sub 5}: Gd/Er (50:2 mol%) UCNPs were synthesized via a solvothermal method using oleic acid (OA) as surface ligands (denoted as OA-UCNPs). The OA-UCNPs were further treated by diluted HCl to form ligand-free UCNPs (LF-UCNPs) for later bioimaging applications. The cytotoxicity assay in HeLa cells shows low cell toxicity of these LF-UCNPs. Owing to the efficient UCL of BaYbF{sub 5}: Gd/Er, the LF-UCNPs were successfully used as luminescent bioprobe in UCL bioimaging. And, X-ray CT imaging reveals that BaYbF{sub 5}: Gd/Er UCNPs can act as potential contrast agents for detection of the liver and spleen in the live mice owing to the high-Z elements (e.g., Ba, Yb, and Gd) in host matrix. Moreover, with the addition of Gd, the as-designed UCNPs exhibit additional positive contrast enhancement in T{sub 1}-weighted MR imaging. These findings demonstrate that BaYbF{sub 5}: Gd/Er UCNPs are potential candidates for tri-modal imaging. - Graphical abstract: Multifunctional BaYbF{sub 5}: Gd/Er upconversion nanoparticles with efficient upconversion emission, high absorption coefficient, predominant paramagnetic behavior, and low biological toxicity were demonstrated for tri-modality in vivo UCL, CT and MR imaging. Display Omitted - Highlights: • The multifunctional UCNPs with high monodispersity were synthesized. • The UCNPs present large r{sub 1} value and binary CT contrast agents. • These UCNPs were demonstrated as optimal probes for tri-modal bioimaging.

  1. Critical Shell Thickness of Core/Shell Upconversion Luminescence Nanoplatform for FRET Application

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Wang, Yu; Liu, Kai; Liu, Xiaomin; Dohnalova, Katerina; Gregorkiewicz, Tom; Kong, Xianggui; Aalders, Maurice C. G.; Buma, Wybren J.; Zhang, Hong

    2011-01-01

    Almost all the luminescence upconversion nanoparticles used for Forster resonant energy transfer (FRET) applications are bare cores based on the consideration that the energy transfer efficiency is optimized because the distance between energy donors and acceptors is minimized. On the other hand, it

  2. Upconversion NaYF4 Nanoparticles for Size Dependent Cell Imaging and Concentration Dependent Detection of Rhodamine B

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Shigang Hu

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs based on NaYF4 nanocrystals with strong upconversion luminescence are synthesized by the solvothermal method. The emission color of these NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles can be easily modulated by the doping. These NaYF4 upconversion nanocrystals can be employed as fluorescence donors to pump fluorescent organic molecules. For example, the efficient luminescence resonant energy transfer (LRET can be achieved by controlling the distance between NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs and Rhodamine B (RB. NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs can emit green light at the wavelength of ~540 nm while RB can efficiently absorb the green light of ~540 nm to emit red light of 610 nm. The LRET efficiency is highly dependent on the concentration of NaYF4 upconversion fluorescent donors. For the fixed concentration of 3.2 µg/mL RB, the optimal concentration of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNPs is equal to 4 mg/mL which generates the highest LRET signal ratio. In addition, it is addressed that the upconversion nanoparticles with diameter of 200 nm are suitable for imaging the cells larger than 10 µm with clear differentiation between cell walls and cytoplasm.

  3. Color Tunable and Upconversion Luminescence in Yb-Tm Co-Doped Yttrium Phosphate Inverse Opal Photonic Crystals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Siqin; Qiu, Jianbei; Wang, Qi; Zhou, Dacheng; Yang, Zhengwen

    2016-04-01

    For this paper, YPO4: Tm, Yb inverse opals with the photonic band gaps at 475 nm and 655 nm were prepared by polystyrene colloidal crystal templates. We investigated the influence of photonic band gaps on the Tm-Yb upconversion emission which was in the YPO4: Tm Yb inverse opal photonic crystals. Comparing with the reference sample, significant suppression of both the blue and red upconversion luminescence of Tm3+ ions were observed in the inverse opals. The color purity of the blue emission was improved in the inverse opal by the suppression of red upconversion emission. Additionally, mechanism of upconversion emission in the inverse opal was discussed. We believe that the present work will be valuable for not only the foundational study of upconversion emission modification but also the development of new optical devices in upconversion lighting and display.

  4. Comparative studies of upconversion luminescence characteristics and cell bioimaging based on one-step synthesized upconversion nanoparticles capped with different functional groups

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tsang, Ming-Kiu [Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (China); Chan, Chi-Fai; Wong, Ka-Leung [Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong); Hao, Jianhua, E-mail: jh.hao@polyu.edu.hk [Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (China)

    2015-01-15

    Herein, three types of upconverting NaGdF{sub 4}:Yb/Er nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been synthesized via one-step hydrothermal synthesis with polyethylene glycol (PEG), polyethylenimine (PEI) and 6-aminocapronic acid (6AA) functionalization. To evident the presence of these groups, FTIR spectra and ζ-potentials were measured to support the successful capping of PEG, PEI and 6AA on the UCNPs. The regular morphology and cubic phase of these functionalized UCNPs were attributed to the capping effect of the surfactants. Tunable upconversion luminescence (UCL) from red to green were observed under 980 nm laser excitation and the UCL tuning was attributed to the presence of various surface ligands. Moreover, surface group dependent UCL bioimaging was performed in HeLa cells. The enhanced UCL bioimaging demonstrated by PEI functionalized UCNPs evident high cell uptake. The significant cell uptake is explained by the electrostatic attraction between the amino groups (–NH{sub 2}) and the cell membrane. Moreover, the functionalized UCNPs demonstrated low cytotoxicity in MTT assay. Additional, paramagnetic property was presented by these UCNPs under magnetic field. - Highlights: • Tunable upconversion emission by capped functional groups under fixed composition. • Surface dependent upconversion luminescence bioimaging in HeLa cells. • Low cytotoxicity. • Additional paramagnetic property due to Gd{sup 3+} ions.

  5. Multifunctional BaYbF5: Gd/Er upconversion nanoparticles for in vivo tri-modal upconversion optical, X-ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Xiaolong; Yi, Zhigao; Xue, Zhenluan; Zeng, Songjun; Liu, Hongrong

    2017-06-01

    Development of high-quality upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with combination of the merits of multiple molecular imaging techniques, such as, upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging, X-ray computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, could significantly improve the accuracy of biological diagnosis. In this work, multifunctional BaYbF 5 : Gd/Er (50:2mol%) UCNPs were synthesized via a solvothermal method using oleic acid (OA) as surface ligands (denoted as OA-UCNPs). The OA-UCNPs were further treated by diluted HCl to form ligand-free UCNPs (LF-UCNPs) for later bioimaging applications. The cytotoxicity assay in HeLa cells shows low cell toxicity of these LF-UCNPs. Owing to the efficient UCL of BaYbF 5 : Gd/Er, the LF-UCNPs were successfully used as luminescent bioprobe in UCL bioimaging. And, X-ray CT imaging reveals that BaYbF 5 : Gd/Er UCNPs can act as potential contrast agents for detection of the liver and spleen in the live mice owing to the high-Z elements (e.g., Ba, Yb, and Gd) in host matrix. Moreover, with the addition of Gd, the as-designed UCNPs exhibit additional positive contrast enhancement in T 1 -weighted MR imaging. These findings demonstrate that BaYbF 5 : Gd/Er UCNPs are potential candidates for tri-modal imaging. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. Highly efficient upconversion luminescence in hexagonal NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ nanocrystals synthesized by a novel reverse microemulsion method

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gunaseelan, M.; Yamini, S.; Kumar, G. A.; Senthilselvan, J.

    2018-01-01

    A new reverse microemulsion system is proposed for the first time to synthesize NaYF4:Yb,Er nanocrystals, which demonstrated high upconversion emission in 550 and 662 nm at 980 nm diode laser excitation. The reverse microemulsion (μEs) system is comprised of CTAB and oleic acid as surfactant and 1-butanol co-surfactant and isooctane oil phase. The surfactant to water ratio is able to tune the microemulsion droplet size from 14 to 220 nm, which eventually controls the crystallinity and particulate morphology of NaYF4:Yb,Er. Also, the microemulsion precursor and calcination temperature plays certain role in transforming the cubic NaYF4:Yb,Er to highly luminescent hexagonal crystal structured upconversion material. Single phase hexagonal NaYF4:YbEr nanorod prepared by water-in-oil reverse microemulsion (μEs) gives intense red upconversion emission. Both nanosphere and nanorod shaped NaYF4:Yb,Er was obtained, but nanorod morphology resulted an enhanced upconversion luminescence. The structural, morphological, thermal and optical luminescence properties of the NaYF4:Yb,Er nanoparticles are discussed in detail by employing powder X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering, high resolution electron microscopy, TGA-DTA, UV-DRS, FTIR and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Intense upconversion emission achieved in the microemulsion synthesized NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystal can make it as useful optical phosphor for solar cell applications.

  7. Biocompatible Er, Yb co-doped fluoroapatite upconversion nanoparticles for imaging applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Anjana, R.; K. M., Kurias; M. K., Jayaraj

    2017-08-01

    Upconversion luminescence, visible emission on infra red (IR) excitation was achieved in a biocompatible material, fluoroapatite. Fluoroapatite crystals are well known biomaterials, which is a component of tooth enamel. Also it can be considered as an excellent host material for lanthanide doping since the ionic radii of lanthanide is similar to that of calcium ion(Ca2+) hence successful incorporation of dopants within the lattice is possible. Erbium (Er), Ytterbium (Yb) co-doped fluorapatite (FAp) nanoparticles were prepared by precipitation method. The particles show intense visible emission when excited with 980 nm laser. Since upconversion luminescence is a multiphoton process the excitation power dependence on emission will give number of photons involved in the emission of single photon. Excitation power dependence studies show that two photons are involved in the emission of single photons. The value of slope was different for different emission peak because of the difference in intermediate energy level involved. The crystal structure and morphology of the particle were determined using X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). These particles with surface functionalisation can be used for live cell imaging.

  8. Thermomchromic Reaction-Induced Reversible Upconversion Emission Modulation for Switching Devices and Tunable Upconversion Emission Based on Defect Engineering of WO3:Yb3+,Er3+ Phosphor.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ruan, Jiufeng; Yang, Zhengwen; Huang, Anjun; Zhang, Hailu; Qiu, Jianbei; Song, Zhiguo

    2018-05-02

    Reversible luminescence modulation of upconversion phosphors has the potential applications as photoswitches and optical memory and data storage devices. Previously, the photochromic reaction was extensively used for the realization of reversible luminescence modulation. It is very necessary to develop other approaches such as thermomchromic reaction to obtain the reversible upconversion luminescence modulation. In this work, the WO 3 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ phosphors with various colors were prepared at various temperatures, exhibiting tunable upconversion luminescence attributed to the formation of oxygen vacancies in the host. Upon heat treatment in the reducing atmosphere or air, the WO 3 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ phosphors show a reversible thermomchromic property. The reversible upconversion luminescence modulation of WO 3 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ phosphors was observed based on thermomchromic reaction. Additionally, the upconversion luminescence modulation is maintained after several cycles, indicating its excellent stability. The WO 3 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ phosphors with reversible upconversion luminescence and excellent reproducibility have potential applications as the photoswitches and optical memory and data storage devices.

  9. Enhancement of the up-conversion luminescence from NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+},Tb{sup 3+}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hölsä, Jorma, E-mail: jholsa@utu.fi [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Turku University Centre for Materials and Surfaces (MatSurf), Turku (Finland); Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química, São Paulo-SP (Brazil); Laihinen, Tero [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Laamanen, Taneli; Lastusaari, Mika [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Turku University Centre for Materials and Surfaces (MatSurf), Turku (Finland); Pihlgren, Laura [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Graduate School of Materials Research (GSMR), Turku (Finland); Rodrigues, Lucas C.V. [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Universidade de São Paulo, Instituto de Química, São Paulo-SP (Brazil); Soukka, Tero [University of Turku, Department of Biochemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland)

    2014-04-15

    The synthesis conditions of the Yb{sup 3+} and Tb{sup 3+} co-doped NaYF{sub 4} were optimized by reducing the number of washings to include only ethanol. The avoidance of the loss of amorphous NaF prior to post-annealing of the as-prepared materials resulted in the enhancement of the otherwise rather weak up-conversion from Tb{sup 3+} by 1–2 orders of magnitude. At the same time, the temperature of formation of the hexagonal NaRF{sub 4} phase with high up-conversion could be lowered by 100 °C down to 350 °C. This improvement in up-conversion was concluded to result from the better stoichiometry of the material without washing with water. The deficit of Na{sup +} would result in the excess of fluoride which, although not as fatal to the luminescence as the fluoride vacancies, has serious implications to the up-conversion intensity. A further enhancement in the up-conversion luminescence was observed to be due to the Er{sup 3+} ion impurity frequently associated with high-concentration Yb{sup 3+} materials. The mechanism involving the unintentional Er{sup 3+} sensitizer and the resonance energy transfer in the Yb{sup 3+}–Er{sup 3+}–Tb{sup 3+} co-doped NaYF{sub 4} were discussed based on the energy level schemes of the Yb{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+}, and Tb{sup 3+} ions in NaYF{sub 4}.

  10. Near infrared and upconversion luminescence behaviour of Er3+/Yb3+ codoped boro-tellurite glasses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Maheshvaran, K.; Arunkumar, S.; Vijayakumar, R.; Marimuthu, K.

    2014-04-01

    The broadband NIR and upconversion luminescence behavior in a new series of Er3+/Yb3+ codoped TeO2-B2O3-SrO-BaO-Li2O-LiF glasses have been studied exciting at a wavelength of 980 nm using semiconductor laser. A broadband emission is observed from 1450 to 1650 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) around 165 nm in 0.5wt% Yb3+ ion content E0.5YLTB glass. The radiative parameters such as transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross-section (σE), experimental and calculated branching ratios (βR), optical gain width (σp×FWHM) and radiative lifetime (τcal) have been calculated for the 4I13/2→4I15/2 NIR emission. Upconversion luminescence spectra of the prepared glasses have been studied and the ESA & ET processes have also been discussed and reported.

  11. [A study on the concentration quenching of Tm3+ upconversion luminescence].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, B; Wang, H; Huang, S

    2001-06-01

    In this work, we have a designation and preparation of MFT glasses for upconversion, the glasses consisted of TeO2 and fluoride: PbF2, AlF3, BaF2, NaF and the impurity Tm2O3. In this glass system the oxide improve forming ability, the fluorides improve the microscopic environment around RE ions in glasses. In this glass host the content of Tm2O3 achieves to 4% mol and crystallization no occurred. A detail study on the concentration quenching of upconversion luminescence for 1G4-->3H6 and 1D2-->3H4 transitions was completed. The experimental results directed that the quenching concentration was 0.6 mol.% and higher 3 times than in other glasses materials. The cross relaxation and mechanism of concentration quenching were discussed.

  12. Luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) aptasensor for ochratoxin A detection using upconversion nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jo, Eun-Jung; Byun, Ju-Young; Mun, Hyoyoung; Kim, Min-Gon

    2017-07-01

    We report an aptasensor for homogeneous ochratoxin A (OTA) detection based on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET). This system uses upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), such as NaYF4:Yb3+, Er 3+, as the donor. The aptamer includes the optimum-length linker (5-mer-length DNA) and OTA-specific aptamer sequences. Black hole quencher 1 (BHQ1), as the acceptor, was modified at the 3' end of the aptamer sequence. BHQ1 plays as a quencher in LRET aptasensor and shows absorption at 543 nm, which overlaps with well the emission of the UCNPs. When OTA is added, the BHQ1-labeled OTA aptamer was folded due to the formation of the G-quadruplex-OTA complex, which induced the BHQ1 close to the UCNPs. Consequently, resonance energy transfer between UCNPs (donor) and BHQ1 (acceptor) enables quenching of upconversion luminescence signals under laser irradiation of 980 nm. Our results showed that the LRET-based aptasensor allows specific OTA analysis with a limit of detection of 0.03 ng/mL. These results demonstrated that the OTA in diverse foods can be detected specifically and sensitively in a homogeneous manner.

  13. The effect of micro-structure on upconversion luminescence of Nd3+/Yb3+ co-doped La2O3-TiO2-ZrO2 glass-ceramics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Minghui; Wen, Haiqin; Pan, Xiuhong; Yu, Jianding; Jiang, Meng; Yu, Huimei; Tang, Meibo; Gai, Lijun; Ai, Fei

    2018-03-01

    Nd3+/Yb3+ co-doped La2O3-TiO2-ZrO2 glasses have been prepared by aerodynamic levitation method. The glasses show high refractive index of 2.28 and Abbe number of 18.3. Glass-ceramics heated at 880 °C for 50 min perform the strongest upconversion luminescence. X-ray diffraction patterns of glass-ceramics with different depths indicate that rare earth ions restrain crystallization. Body crystallization mechanism mixed with surface crystallization is confirmed in the heat treatment. Surface crystals achieve priority to grow, resulting in important effects on upconversion luminescence. The results of atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope indicate that crystal particles with uniform size distribute densely and homogenously on the surface and large amount of glass matrix exists in the glass ceramics heated at 880 °C for 50 min. Crystals in the glass-ceramics present dense structure and strong boundaries, which can reduce the mutual nonradiative relaxation rate among rare earth ions and then improve upconversion luminescence effectively. Based on micro-structural study, the mechanism that upconversion luminescence can be improved by heat treatment has been revealed. The results of micro-structural analysis agree well with the spectra.

  14. Quantitative imaging of single upconversion nanoparticles in biological tissue.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Annemarie Nadort

    Full Text Available The unique luminescent properties of new-generation synthetic nanomaterials, upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, enabled high-contrast optical biomedical imaging by suppressing the crowded background of biological tissue autofluorescence and evading high tissue absorption. This raised high expectations on the UCNP utilities for intracellular and deep tissue imaging, such as whole animal imaging. At the same time, the critical nonlinear dependence of the UCNP luminescence on the excitation intensity results in dramatic signal reduction at (∼1 cm depth in biological tissue. Here, we report on the experimental and theoretical investigation of this trade-off aiming at the identification of optimal application niches of UCNPs e.g. biological liquids and subsurface tissue layers. As an example of such applications, we report on single UCNP imaging through a layer of hemolyzed blood. To extend this result towards in vivo applications, we quantified the optical properties of single UCNPs and theoretically analyzed the prospects of single-particle detectability in live scattering and absorbing bio-tissue using a human skin model. The model predicts that a single 70-nm UCNP would be detectable at skin depths up to 400 µm, unlike a hardly detectable single fluorescent (fluorescein dye molecule. UCNP-assisted imaging in the ballistic regime thus allows for excellent applications niches, where high sensitivity is the key requirement.

  15. Hydrothermal synthesis of NaLuF4:153Sm,Yb,Tm nanoparticles and their application in dual-modality upconversion luminescence and SPECT bioimaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Yang; Sun, Yun; Cao, Tianye; Peng, Juanjuan; Liu, Ying; Wu, Yongquan; Feng, Wei; Zhang, Yingjian; Li, Fuyou

    2013-01-01

    Upconversion luminescence (UCL) properties and radioactivity have been integrated into NaLuF(4):(153)Sm,Yb,Tm nanoparticles by a facile one-step hydrothermal method, making these nanoparticles potential candidates for UCL and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) dual-modal bioimaging in vivo. The introduction of small amount of radioactive (153)Sm(3+) can hardly vary the upconversion luminescence properties of the nanoparticles. The as-designed nanoparticles showed very low cytotoxicity, no obvious tissue damage in 7 days, and excellent in vitro and in vivo performances in dual-modal bioimaging. By means of a combination of UCL and SPECT imaging in vivo, the distribution of the nanoparticles in living animals has been studied, and the results indicated that these particles were mainly accumulated in the liver and spleen. Therefore, the concept of (153)Sm(3+)/Yb(3+)/Tm(3+) co-doped NaLuF(4) nanoparticles for UCL and SPECT dual-modality imaging in vivo of whole-body animals may serve as a platform for next-generation probes for ultra-sensitive molecular imaging from the cellular scale to whole-body evaluation. It also introduces an easy methodology to quantify in vivo biodistribution of nanomaterials which still needs further understanding as a community. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Near infrared and upconversion luminescence behaviour of Er{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} codoped boro-tellurite glasses

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Maheshvaran, K. [Department of Physics, Gandhigram Rural Institute - Deemed University, Gandhigram - 624302, India and Department of Physics, K.S. Rangasamy College of Technology, Trichengode - 637215 (India); Arunkumar, S., E-mail: mari-ram2000@yahoo.com; Vijayakumar, R., E-mail: mari-ram2000@yahoo.com; Marimuthu, K., E-mail: mari-ram2000@yahoo.com [Department of Physics, Gandhigram Rural Institute − Deemed University, Gandhigram - 624302 (India)

    2014-04-24

    The broadband NIR and upconversion luminescence behavior in a new series of Er{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} codoped TeO{sub 2}-B{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SrO-BaO-Li{sub 2}O-LiF glasses have been studied exciting at a wavelength of 980 nm using semiconductor laser. A broadband emission is observed from 1450 to 1650 nm with a full width at half maximum (FWHM) around 165 nm in 0.5wt% Yb{sup 3+} ion content E0.5YLTB glass. The radiative parameters such as transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross-section (σ{sup E}), experimental and calculated branching ratios (β{sub R}), optical gain width (σ{sub p}×FWHM) and radiative lifetime (τ{sub cal}) have been calculated for the {sup 4}I{sub 13/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} NIR emission. Upconversion luminescence spectra of the prepared glasses have been studied and the ESA and ET processes have also been discussed and reported.

  17. Intense upconversion luminescence and effect of local environment for Tm3+/Yb3+ co-doped novel TeO2-BiCl3 glass system.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Guonian; Dai, Shixun; Zhang, Junjie; Wen, Lei; Yang, Jianhu; Jiang, Zhonghong

    2006-05-15

    We present the results of a study that uses theoretical and experimental methods to investigate the characteristics of the upconversion luminescence of Tm3+/Yb3+ codoped TeO2-BiCl3 glass system as a function of the BiCl3 fraction. These glasses are potentially important in the design of upconversion fiber lasers. Effect of local environment around Tm3+ on upconversion fluorescence intensity was analyzed by theoretical calculations. The structure and spectroscopic properties were investigated in the experiments by measuring the Raman spectra, IR transmission spectra, and absorption and fluorescence intensities at room temperature. The results indicate that blue luminescence quantum efficiency increases with increasing BiCl3 content from 10 to 60 mol%, which were interpreted by the increase of asymmetry of glass structure, decrease of phonon energy and removing of OH- groups.

  18. Polymer encapsulated upconversion nanoparticle/iron oxide nanocomposites for multimodal imaging and magnetic targeted drug delivery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Huan; Cheng, Liang; Wang, Chao; Ma, Xinxing; Li, Yonggang; Liu, Zhuang

    2011-12-01

    Multimodal imaging and imaging-guided therapies have become a new trend in the current development of cancer theranostics. In this work, we encapsulate hydrophobic upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) together with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) by using an amphiphilic block copolymer, poly (styrene-block-allyl alcohol) (PS(16)-b-PAA(10)), via a microemulsion method, obtaining an UC-IO@Polymer multi-functional nanocomposite system. Fluorescent dye and anti-cancer drug molecules can be further loaded inside the UC-IO@Polymer nanocomposite for additional functionalities. Utilizing the Squaraine (SQ) dye loaded nanocomposite (UC-IO@Polymer-SQ), triple-modal upconversion luminescence (UCL)/down-conversion fluorescence (FL)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, and also applied for in vivo cancer cell tracking in mice. On the other hand, a chemotherapy drug, doxorubicin, is also loaded into the nanocomposite, forming an UC-IO@Polymer-DOX complex, which enables novel imaging-guided and magnetic targeted drug delivery. Our work provides a method to fabricate a nanocomposite system with highly integrated functionalities for multimodal biomedical imaging and cancer therapy. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Enhanced performance of dye-sensitized solar cells based on TiO{sub 2} with NIR-absorption and visible upconversion luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liang, Li [Department of Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Yulin, Yang, E-mail: ylyang@hit.edu.cn [Department of Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Mi, Zhou; Ruiqing, Fan; LeLe, Qiu [Department of Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Xin, Wang [Department of Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Department of Food and Environmental Engineering, Heilongjiang, East University, Harbin 150086 (China); Lingyun, Zhang [Department of Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); School of Chemical Engineering, Northeast Dianli University, Jilin 132012 (China); Xuesong, Zhou; Jianglong, He [Department of Chemistry, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China)

    2013-02-15

    TiO{sub 2} with NIR-absorption and visible upconversion luminescence (UC-TiO{sub 2}) is prepared by a sol-gel method and calcined at 700 Degree-Sign C for 6 h. The material broadens the response region of dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) from an ultraviolet-visible region to the whole region of the solar spectrum. It shifts NIR sunlight to visible light which matches the strong absorbing region of the dye (N719). DSSCs based on UC-TiO{sub 2} achieved higher conversion efficiency than that on raw TiO{sub 2}. UC-TiO{sub 2} was mixed with commercial raw TiO{sub 2} as additive, and the short-circuit current density, open-circuit voltage and conversion efficiency of the DSSC reached to the optimum values 13.38 mA/cm{sup 2}, 0.78 V and 6.63% (AM1.5 global), comparing with the blank values: 7.99 mA/cm{sup 2}, 0.75 V and 4.07%, respectively. Also the mechanisms of upconversion by multiphoton absorption and energy transfer processes are interpreted in this paper. - Graphical abstract: By introducing TiO{sub 2} with NIR-absorption and visible up-conversion luminescence into DSSC, a signal reflection was explored from ultra-violet region to visible region, and to near-IR region. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer TiO{sub 2} with NIR-absorption and visible up-conversion luminescence (UC-TiO{sub 2}) was prepared by a sol-gel method. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A systematic characterization and analysis was carried out to discuss the mechanism. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer A significantly enhanced performance of DSSC was explored by using UC-TiO{sub 2} as an additive.

  20. Enhancing multiphoton upconversion through energy clustering at sublattice level

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Juan; Deng, Renren; MacDonald, Mark A.; Chen, Bolei; Yuan, Jikang; Wang, Feng; Chi, Dongzhi; Andy Hor, Tzi Sum; Zhang, Peng; Liu, Guokui; Han, Yu; Liu, Xiaogang

    2014-02-01

    The applications of lanthanide-doped upconversionnanocrystals in biological imaging, photonics, photovoltaics and therapeutics have fuelled a growing demand for rational control over the emission profiles of the nanocrystals. A common strategy for tuning upconversion luminescence is to control the doping concentration of lanthanide ions. However, the phenomenon of concentration quenching of the excited state at high doping levels poses a significant constraint. Thus, the lanthanide ions have to be stringently kept at relatively low concentrations to minimize luminescence quenching. Here we describe a new class of upconversion nanocrystals adopting an orthorhombic crystallographic structure in which the lanthanide ions are distributed in arrays of tetrad clusters. Importantly, this unique arrangement enables the preservation of excitation energy within the sublattice domain and effectively minimizes the migration of excitation energy to defects, even in stoichiometric compounds with a high Yb3+ content (calculated as 98 mol%). This allows us to generate an unusual four-photon-promoted violet upconversion emission from Er3+ with an intensity that is more than eight times higher than previously reported. Our results highlight that the approach to enhancing upconversion through energy clustering at the sublattice level may provide new opportunities for light-triggered biological reactions and photodynamic therapy.

  1. Enhancing multiphoton upconversion through energy clustering at sublattice level

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Juan

    2013-11-24

    The applications of lanthanide-doped upconversionnanocrystals in biological imaging, photonics, photovoltaics and therapeutics have fuelled a growing demand for rational control over the emission profiles of the nanocrystals. A common strategy for tuning upconversion luminescence is to control the doping concentration of lanthanide ions. However, the phenomenon of concentration quenching of the excited state at high doping levels poses a significant constraint. Thus, the lanthanide ions have to be stringently kept at relatively low concentrations to minimize luminescence quenching. Here we describe a new class of upconversion nanocrystals adopting an orthorhombic crystallographic structure in which the lanthanide ions are distributed in arrays of tetrad clusters. Importantly, this unique arrangement enables the preservation of excitation energy within the sublattice domain and effectively minimizes the migration of excitation energy to defects, even in stoichiometric compounds with a high Yb 3+ content (calculated as 98 mol%). This allows us to generate an unusual four-photon-promoted violet upconversion emission from Er 3+ with an intensity that is more than eight times higher than previously reported. Our results highlight that the approach to enhancing upconversion through energy clustering at the sublattice level may provide new opportunities for light-triggered biological reactions and photodynamic therapy. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.

  2. Multispectral mid-infrared imaging using frequency upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sanders, Nicolai Højer; Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Jensen, Ole Bjarlin

    2013-01-01

    It has recently been shown that it is possible to upconvert infrared images to the near infrared region with high quantum efficiency and low noise by three-wave mixing with a laser field [1]. If the mixing laser is single-frequency, the upconverted image is simply a band-pass filtered version...... parameter, allowing for fast tuning and hence potentially fast image acquisition, paving the way for upconversion based real time multispectral imaging. In the present realization the upconversion module consists of an external cavity tapered diode laser in a Littrow configuration with a computer controlled...

  3. Tuning upconversion through energy migration in core-shell nanoparticles

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Feng; Deng, Renren; Wang, Juan; Wang, Qingxiao; Han, Yu; Zhu, Haomiao; Chen, Xueyuan; Liu, Xiaogang

    2011-01-01

    Photon upconversion is promising for applications such as biological imaging, data storage or solar cells. Here, we have investigated upconversion processes in a broad range of gadolinium-based nanoparticles of varying composition. We show that by rational design of a core-shell structure with a set of lanthanide ions incorporated into separated layers at precisely defined concentrations, efficient upconversion emission can be realized through gadolinium sublattice-mediated energy migration for a wide range of lanthanide activators without long-lived intermediary energy states. Furthermore, the use of the core-shell structure allows the elimination of deleterious cross-relaxation. This effect enables fine-tuning of upconversion emission through trapping of the migrating energy by the activators. Indeed, the findings described here suggest a general approach to constructing a new class of luminescent materials with tunable upconversion emissions by controlled manipulation of energy transfer within a nanoscopic region. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.

  4. Tuning upconversion through energy migration in core-shell nanoparticles

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Feng

    2011-10-23

    Photon upconversion is promising for applications such as biological imaging, data storage or solar cells. Here, we have investigated upconversion processes in a broad range of gadolinium-based nanoparticles of varying composition. We show that by rational design of a core-shell structure with a set of lanthanide ions incorporated into separated layers at precisely defined concentrations, efficient upconversion emission can be realized through gadolinium sublattice-mediated energy migration for a wide range of lanthanide activators without long-lived intermediary energy states. Furthermore, the use of the core-shell structure allows the elimination of deleterious cross-relaxation. This effect enables fine-tuning of upconversion emission through trapping of the migrating energy by the activators. Indeed, the findings described here suggest a general approach to constructing a new class of luminescent materials with tunable upconversion emissions by controlled manipulation of energy transfer within a nanoscopic region. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.

  5. Enhancement of blue upconversion luminescence in hexagonal NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Tm by using K and Sc ions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kale, Vishal, E-mail: vishal.kale@utu.fi; Soukka, Tero [University of Turku, Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry/Biotechnology (Finland); Hoelsae, Jorma; Lastusaari, Mika [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry (Finland)

    2013-08-15

    Hexagonal ({beta})-NaYF{sub 4} is recognized as one of the most efficient hosts for NIR to blue and green upconversion (UC). A new method to tune the blue UC emission in {beta}-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Tm nanocrystals through the possible substitution of the host material with different concentrations of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions was investigated in detail. In this work, Na{sub 1-x}K{sub x}YF{sub 4}:Yb,Tm and NaY{sub 1-x}Sc{sub x}F{sub 4}:Yb,Tm nanocrystals were synthesized with varying Na:K and Y:Sc ratios. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and UC luminescence spectroscopy showed that size, morphology, and UC luminescence intensity were affected by the addition of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions. Substituted ions disturbed the local symmetry and also resulted in changes in the crystal field. The distance between Yb{sup 3+} and Tm{sup 3+} was affected by different concentration of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions, and those differences in the distance are responsible for tuning UC luminescence. This study revealed that when the concentration of K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ions were nominally increased from 20 to 100 mol% during synthesis, hexagonal NaYF{sub 4} changed to structurally different KYF{sub 4} and Na{sub 3}ScF{sub 6} so that the solid solubility became difficult. We also demonstrate that the added K{sup +} does not enter into the NaYF{sub 4} lattice, but it still plays an important role by controlling the Na/R ratio. K{sup +} and Sc{sup 3+} ion concentration of 20 mol% during the synthesis was found to result in materials with size 30-35 nm, and shows ca. four times brighter UC emission than the previously reported lanthanide based nanocrystals. The enhancement in UC luminescence intensity makes upconversion nanophosphors versatile imaging tools for diagnosis.Graphical Abstract.

  6. Recent advances in enhanced luminescence upconversion of lanthanide-doped NaYF4 phosphors

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kumar, Deepak; Verma, Kartikey; Verma, Shefali; Chaudhary, Babulal; Som, Sudipta; Sharma, Vishal; Kumar, Vijay; Swart, Hendrik C.

    2018-04-01

    NaYF4 is regarded as the best upconversion (UC) matrix owing to its low phonon energy, more chemical stability, and a superior refractive index. This review reports on the various synthesis techniques of lanthanide-doped NaYF4 phosphors for UC application. The UC intensity depends on different properties of the matrix and those are discussed in detail. Plasmon-enhanced luminescence UC of the lanthanide-doped NaYF4 core-shells structure is discussed based on a literature survey. The present review provides the information about how the UC intensity can be enhanced. The idea about the UC is then deliberately used for versatile applications such as luminescent materials, display devices, biomedical imaging and different security appliances. In addition, the present review demonstrates the recent trends of NaYF4 UC materials in solar cell devices. The role of NaYF4 phosphor to eradicate the spectral variance among the incident solar spectrum, semiconductor as well as the sub-band gap nature of the semiconductor materials is also discussed in detail. Considering the fact that the research status on NaYF4 phosphor for photovoltaic application is now growing, the present review is therefore very important to the researchers. More importantly, this may promote more interesting research platforms to investigate the realistic use of UC nanophosphors as spectral converters for solar cells.

  7. Achieving high-efficiency emission depletion nanoscopy by employing cross relaxation in upconversion nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhan, Qiuqiang; Liu, Haichun; Wang, Baoju; Wu, Qiusheng; Pu, Rui; Zhou, Chao; Huang, Bingru; Peng, Xingyun; Ågren, Hans; He, Sailing

    2017-10-20

    Stimulated emission depletion microscopy provides a powerful sub-diffraction imaging modality for life science studies. Conventionally, stimulated emission depletion requires a relatively high light intensity to obtain an adequate depletion efficiency through only light-matter interaction. Here we show efficient emission depletion for a class of lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles with the assistance of interionic cross relaxation, which significantly lowers the laser intensity requirements of optical depletion. We demonstrate two-color super-resolution imaging using upconversion nanoparticles (resolution ~ 66 nm) with a single pair of excitation/depletion beams. In addition, we show super-resolution imaging of immunostained cytoskeleton structures of fixed cells (resolution ~ 82 nm) using upconversion nanoparticles. These achievements provide a new perspective for the development of photoswitchable luminescent probes and will broaden the applications of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles for sub-diffraction microscopic imaging.

  8. Upconversion luminescence resonance energy transfer-based aptasensor for the sensitive detection of oxytetracycline.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Hui; Fang, Congcong; Wu, Shijia; Duan, Nuo; Wang, Zhouping

    2015-11-15

    In this work, a biosensor based on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) from NaYF4:Yb,Tm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to SYBR Green I has been developed. The aptamers are covalently linked to UCNPs and hybridized with their complementary strands. The subsequent addition of SYBR Green allows SYBR Green I to insert into the formed double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) duplex and brings the energy donor and acceptor into close proximity, leading to the fluorescence of UCNPs transferred to SYBR Green I. When excited at 980 nm, the UCNPs emit luminescence at 477 nm, and this energy is transferred to SYBR Green I, which emits luminescence at 530 nm. In the presence of oxytetracycline (OTC), the aptamers prefer to bind to its corresponding analyte and dehybridize with the complementary DNA. This dehybridization leads to the liberation of SYBR Green I, which distances SYBR Green I from the UCNPs and recovers the UCNPs' luminescence. Under optimal conditions, a linear calibration is obtained between the ratio of I530 to I477 nm (I530/I477) and the OTC concentration, which ranges from 0.1 to 10 ng/ml with a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.054 ng/ml. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Comparison of temperature sensing of the luminescent upconversion and ZnCdS nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yanina, I. Yu.; Volkova, E. K.; Sagaidachnaya, E. A.; Konyukhova, J. G.; Kochubey, V. I.; Tuchin, V. V.

    2018-02-01

    The luminescence spectra of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and ZnCdS nanoparticles (ZnCdSNPs) were measured and analyzed in a wide temperature range: from room to human body and further to a hyperthermic temperature resulting in tissue morphology change. The results show that the luminescence signal of UCNPs and ZnCdSNPs placed within the tissue is reasonably good sensitive to temperature change and accompanied by phase transitions of lipid structures of adipose tissue. The most likely that the multiple phase transitions are associated with the different components of fat cells, such as phospholipids of cell membrane and lipids of fat droplets. In the course of fat cell heating, lipids of fat droplet first transit from a crystalline form to a liquid crystal form and then to a liquid form, which is characterized by much less scattering. The results of phase transitions of lipids were observed as the changes in the slope of the temperature dependence of the intensity of luminescence of the film with nanoparticles embedded into tissue. The obtained results confirm a high sensitivity of the luminescent UCNPs and ZnCdSNPs to the temperature variations within thin tissue samples and show a strong potential for the controllable tissue thermolysis.

  10. Spectral Imaging by Upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Pedersen, Christian; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2011-01-01

    We present a method to obtain spectrally resolved images using upconversion. By this method an image is spectrally shifted from one spectral region to another wavelength. Since the process is spectrally sensitive it allows for a tailored spectral response. We believe this will allow standard...... silicon based cameras designed for visible/near infrared radiation to be used for spectral images in the mid infrared. This can lead to much lower costs for such imaging devices, and a better performance....

  11. Accurate Quantitative Sensing of Intracellular pH based on Self-ratiometric Upconversion Luminescent Nanoprobe.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Cuixia; Zuo, Jing; Zhang, Li; Chang, Yulei; Zhang, Youlin; Tu, Langping; Liu, Xiaomin; Xue, Bin; Li, Qiqing; Zhao, Huiying; Zhang, Hong; Kong, Xianggui

    2016-12-09

    Accurate quantitation of intracellular pH (pH i ) is of great importance in revealing the cellular activities and early warning of diseases. A series of fluorescence-based nano-bioprobes composed of different nanoparticles or/and dye pairs have already been developed for pH i sensing. Till now, biological auto-fluorescence background upon UV-Vis excitation and severe photo-bleaching of dyes are the two main factors impeding the accurate quantitative detection of pH i . Herein, we have developed a self-ratiometric luminescence nanoprobe based on förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) for probing pH i , in which pH-sensitive fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were served as energy acceptor and donor, respectively. Under 980 nm excitation, upconversion emission bands at 475 nm and 645 nm of NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ , Tm 3+ UCNPs were used as pH i response and self-ratiometric reference signal, respectively. This direct quantitative sensing approach has circumvented the traditional software-based subsequent processing of images which may lead to relatively large uncertainty of the results. Due to efficient FRET and fluorescence background free, a highly-sensitive and accurate sensing has been achieved, featured by 3.56 per unit change in pH i value 3.0-7.0 with deviation less than 0.43. This approach shall facilitate the researches in pH i related areas and development of the intracellular drug delivery systems.

  12. A comprehensive phononics of phonon assisted energy transfer in the Yb3+ aided upconversion luminescence of Tm3+ and Ho3+ in solids

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Debnath, Radhaballabh; Bose, Saptasree

    2015-01-01

    The theory of phonon assisted energy transfer is being widely used to explain the Yb 3+ ion aided normal and upconversion emission of various rare earth ions in different Yb 3+ co-doped solids. The reported phonon dynamics in many of these studies are either incomplete or erroneous. Here we report Yb 3+ aided upconversion luminescence properties of Tm 3+ and Ho 3+ in (Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ ) and (Yb 3+ /Ho 3+ ) co-doped two BaO–tellurite glasses and explain their phononics in the light of Dexter's theory by proposing a comprehensive scheme. The approach is valid for other systems of different phonon structures. - Highlights: • Yb 3+ aided upconversion luminescence properties of Tm 3+ and Ho 3+ in (Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ ) and (Yb 3+ /Ho 3+ ) co-doped two BaO–tellurite glasses, are reported. • Phonon assisted energy transfer in these systems are explained in the light of Dexter's theory by proposing a comprehensive scheme of phononics. • The approach is valid for other systems of different phonon structures

  13. Infrared upconversion hyperspectral imaging

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kehlet, Louis Martinus; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Dam, Jeppe Seidelin

    2015-01-01

    In this Letter, hyperspectral imaging in the mid-IR spectral region is demonstrated based on nonlinear frequency upconversion and subsequent imaging using a standard Si-based CCD camera. A series of upconverted images are acquired with different phase match conditions for the nonlinear frequency...... conversion process. From this, a sequence of monochromatic images in the 3.2-3.4 mu m range is generated. The imaged object consists of a standard United States Air Force resolution target combined with a polystyrene film, resulting in the presence of both spatial and spectral information in the infrared...... image. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America...

  14. Water-stable NaLuF4-based upconversion nanophosphors with long-term validity for multimodal lymphatic imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhou, Jing; Zhu, Xingjun; Chen, Min; Sun, Yun; Li, Fuyou

    2012-09-01

    Multimodal imaging is rapidly becoming an important tool for biomedical applications because it can compensate for the deficiencies of individual imaging modalities. Herein, multifunctional NaLuF(4)-based upconversion nanoparticles (Lu-UCNPs) were synthesized though a facile one-step microemulsion method under ambient condition. The doping of lanthanide ions (Gd(3+), Yb(3+) and Er(3+)/Tm(3+)) endows the Lu-UCNPs with high T(1)-enhancement, bright upconversion luminescence (UCL) emissions, and excellent X-ray absorption coefficient. Moreover, the as-prepared Lu-UCNPs are stable in water for more than six months, due to the protection of sodium glutamate and diethylene triamine pentacetate acid (DTPA) coordinating ligands on the surface. Lu-UCNPs have been successfully applied to the trimodal CT/MR/UCL lymphatic imaging on the modal of small animals. It is worth noting that Lu-UCNPs could be used for imaging even after preserving for over six months. In vitro transmission electron microscope (TEM), methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and histological analysis demonstrated that Lu-UCNPs exhibited low toxicity on living systems. Therefore, Lu-UCNPs could be multimodal agents for CT/MR/UCL imaging, and the concept can be served as a platform technology for the next-generation of probes for multimodal imaging. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Novel Sr{sub 2}LuF{sub 7}–SiO{sub 2} nano-glass-ceramics: Structure and up-conversion luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yanes, A.C.; Castillo, J. del, E-mail: fjvargas@ull.edu.es; Luis, D.; Puentes, J.

    2016-02-15

    Novel transparent nano-glass-ceramics comprising RE-doped Sr{sub 2}LuF{sub 7} nanocrystals have been obtained by thermal treatment of precursor sol–gel glasses. The precipitated Sr{sub 2}LuF{sub 7} nanocrystals with sizes from 4.5 to 11.5 nm, confirmed by X-Ray Diffraction and Transmission Electron Microscopy images, show a cubic phase structure. The luminescent features of Eu{sup 3+} ions, used as structural probes, evidence the distribution of RE ions into the fluoride nanocrystals. Under 980 nm laser excitation, intense UV, vis and NIR up-conversion emissions were observed and studied in Yb{sup 3+}–Tm{sup 3+}, Yb{sup 3+}–Er{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+}–Ho{sup 3+} co-doped nano-glass-ceramics. These results suggest considering these nano-glass-ceramics for potential optical applications as high efficient UV up-conversion materials in UV solid state lasers, infrared tuneable phosphors and photonic integrated devices. - Highlights: • Novel sol-gel glass-ceramics with RE{sup 3+}-Sr{sub 2}LuF{sub 7} doped nanocrystals were obtained. • Eu{sup 3+} probe ion was used to distinguish between amorphous and crystalline environments. • The incorporation of an important fraction of RE ions into nanocrystals was confirmed. • Under 980 nm excitation, intense UV-vis-NIR up-conversion emissions were observed.

  16. Covalently Assembled NIR Nanoplatform for Simultaneous Fluorescence Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer Cells

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Liu, Kai; Liu, Xiaomin; Zeng, Qinghui; Zhang, Youlin; Tu, Langping; Liu, Tao; Kong, Xianggui; Wang, Yinghui; Cao, Feng; Lambrechts, Saskia A. G.; Aalders, Maurice C. G.; Zhang, Hong

    2012-01-01

    A highly efficient multifunctional nanoplatform for simultaneous upconversion luminescence (UCL) Imaging and photodynamic therapy has been developed on the basis of selective energy transfer from multicolor luminescent NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to photosensitizers (PS).

  17. Covalently assembled NIR nanoplatform for simultaneous fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy of cancer cells

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Liu, K.; Liu, X.; Zeng, Q.; Zhang, Y.; Tu, L.; Liu, T.; Kong, X.; Wang, Y.; Cao, F.; Lambrechts, S.A.G.; Aalders, M.C.G.; Zhang, H.

    2012-01-01

    A highly efficient multifunctional nanoplatform for simultaneous upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging and photodynamic therapy has been developed on the basis of selective energy transfer from multicolor luminescent NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to photosensitizers (PS).

  18. Enantiopure distorted ribbon-shaped nanographene combining two-photon absorption-based upconversion and circularly polarized luminescence.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cruz, Carlos M; Márquez, Irene R; Mariz, Inês F A; Blanco, Victor; Sánchez-Sánchez, Carlos; Sobrado, Jesús M; Martín-Gago, José A; Cuerva, Juan M; Maçôas, Ermelinda; Campaña, Araceli G

    2018-04-28

    Herein we describe a distorted ribbon-shaped nanographene exhibiting unprecedented combination of optical properties in graphene-related materials, namely upconversion based on two-photon absorption (TPA-UC) together with circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). The compound is a graphene molecule of ca. 2 nm length and 1 nm width with edge defects that promote the distortion of the otherwise planar lattice. The edge defects are an aromatic saddle-shaped ketone unit and a [5]carbohelicene moiety. This system is shown to combine two-photon absorption and circularly polarized luminescence and a remarkably long emission lifetime of 21.5 ns. The [5]helicene is responsible for the chiroptical activity while the push-pull geometry and the extended network of sp 2 carbons are factors favoring the nonlinear absorption. Electronic structure theoretical calculations support the interpretation of the results.

  19. Hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion luminescent properties of YVO4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liang, Yanjie; Chui, Pengfei; Sun, Xiaoning; Zhao, Yan; Cheng, Fuming; Sun, Kangning

    2013-01-01

    Graphical abstract: YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ nanoparticles have been successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal technique in the presence of citric acid as a complexing agent followed by a subsequent heat treatment process. The PL intensity of the sample increases with the increase of annealing temperature and excitation power. Under the excitation of a 980 nm diode laser, the samples show bright green luminescence. Highlights: ► YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ nanoparticles were prepared by a hydrothermal approach. ► Bright green luminescence is observed under the excitation of a 980 nm laser diode. ► The PL intensity increases with the increase of annealing temperature. ► Energy transfer properties between Yb 3+ ion and Er 3+ ion were analyzed. -- Abstract: In this paper, YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ nanoparticles have been successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal technique in the presence of citric acid as a complexing agent followed by a subsequent heat treatment process. The nanostructures, morphologies and upconversion luminescent properties of the as-prepared YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ upconverting nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and photoluminescent (PL) spectra. XRD results indicate that all the diffraction peaks of samples can be well indexed to the tetragonal phase of YVO 4 . TEM images demonstrate that the samples synthesized hydrothermally consist of granular-like nanoparticles ranging in size from about 30 to 50 nm. After being calcined at 500–800 °C for 2 h, the grain sizes of nanoparticles increase slightly. Additionally, the as-prepared nanoparticles show bright green luminescence corresponding to the 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 and 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 transitions of Er 3+ ions under the excitation of a 980 nm diode laser, which might find potential applications in fields such as phosphor powders, infrared detection and display devices

  20. Activation of visible up-conversion luminescence in transparent and conducting ZnO:Er:Yb films by laser annealing

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lluscà, M.; López-Vidrier, J.; Lauzurica, S.; Sánchez-Aniorte, M.I.; Antony, A.; Molpeceres, C.; Hernández, S.; Garrido, B.; Bertomeu, J.

    2015-01-01

    Transparent and conducting ZnO:Er:Yb thin films with visible up-conversion (660-nm emission under 980-nm excitation) were fabricated by RF magnetron sputtering. The as-deposited films were found to be transparent and conducting and the activation of the Er ions in these films to produce up-conversion luminescence was achieved by different post-deposition annealing treatments in air, vacuum or by laser annealing using a Nd:YVO 4 laser. The structural, electrical and optical properties and the up-conversion efficiency of these films were found to be strongly influenced by the annealing method, and a detailed study is reported in this paper. It has been demonstrated that, although the air annealing was the most efficient in terms of up-conversion, laser annealing was the only method capable of activating Er ions while preserving the electrical conductivity of the doped films. It has been shown that a minimum energy was needed in laser annealing to optically activate the rare earth ions in the ZnO host material to produce up-conversion. Up-converting and transparent conducting ZnO:Er:Yb films with an electrical resistivity of 5×10 −2 Ω cm and transparency ~80% in the visible wavelength range has been achieved by laser annealing. - Highlights: • Transparent and conducting ZnO:Er:Yb films were grown via magnetron sputtering. • Post-annealing ZnO:Er:Yb is needed to optically activate Er ions. • Visible up-conversion emission at 660 nm is observed under 980 nm excitation. • A transparent and conducting up-converter is achieved by laser annealing

  1. Aqueous phase synthesis of upconversion nanocrystals through layer-by-layer epitaxial growth for in vivo X-ray computed tomography

    KAUST Repository

    Li, Feifei

    2013-05-21

    Lanthanide-doped core-shell upconversion nanocrystals (UCNCs) have tremendous potential for applications in many fields, especially in bio-imaging and medical therapy. As core-shell UCNCs are mostly synthesized in organic solvents, tedious organic-aqueous phase transfer processes are usually needed for their use in bio-applications. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of one-step synthesis of highly luminescent core-shell UCNCs in the "aqueous" phase under mild conditions using innocuous reagents. A microwave-assisted approach allowed for layer-by-layer epitaxial growth of a hydrophilic NaGdF4 shell on NaYF4:Yb, Er cores. During this process, surface defects of the nanocrystals could be gradually passivated by the homogeneous shell deposition, resulting in obvious enhancement in the overall upconversion emission efficiency. In addition, the up-down conversion dual-mode luminescent NaYF4:Yb, Er@NaGdF4:Ce, Ln (Eu, Tb, Sm, Dy) nanocrystals were also synthesized to further validate the successful formation of the core-shell structure. More significantly, based on their superior solubility and stability in water solution, high upconversion efficiency and Gd-doped predominant X-ray absorption, the as-prepared NaYF4:Yb, Er@NaGdF4 core-shell UCNCs exhibited high contrast in in vitro cell imaging and in vivo X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging, demonstrating great potential as multiplexed luminescent biolabels and CT contrast agents.

  2. Greatly enhanced Raman scattering and upconversion luminescence of Au–NaYF{sub 4} nanocomposites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jiang, Tao [State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics,College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Institute of Photonics, Faculty of Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211 (China); Li, Junpeng [Institute of Photonics, Faculty of Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211 (China); Qin, Weiping, E-mail: wpqin@jlu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics,College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Zhou, Jun, E-mail: zhoujun@nbu.edu.cn [Institute of Photonics, Faculty of Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211 (China)

    2014-12-15

    Novel dual function Au–NaYF{sub 4} nanocomposites were prepared by a facile wet chemical method. Hexagonal NaYF{sub 4} nanocrystals (NCs) were first produced by a hydrothermal method. Then, these NaYF{sub 4} NCs were decorated with gold nanoparticles (NPs) to form hybrid nanostructures. In this dual mode probe, surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and field enhanced fluorescence can be generated independently by using different excitation wavelengths. It was found that the attached gold NPs on the rough surfaces of NaYF{sub 4} NCs might generate high density localized electric fields, which could lead to both efficient Raman scattering signal and upconversion (UC) luminescence. The enhancement factors of SERS signals from Au–NaYF{sub 4} nanocomposites were investigated using 4-mercaptobenzoic acid. The mechanism of enhanced UC luminescence from the nanocomposites was also discussed based on the population and photoluminescence processes of doped trivalent lanthanide ions. These dual mode nanocomposites may find potential applications in biological detection, imaging, and sensing. - Highlights: • Novel dual function Au–NaYF{sub 4} nanocomposites were successfully fulfilled by a facial wet chemical method. • Field enhanced fluorescence and SERS can be generated independently by using different excitation wavelengths. • The EF value of this Au–NaYF{sub 4} substrate was as high as 8.17×10{sup 7}. • The largest ER of UC emissions from Gd{sup 3+} ion in Au–NaYF{sub 4} nanocomposites appeared to be 76.

  3. A near-infrared luminescent Mn2+-doped NaYF4:Yb,Tm/Fe3+ upconversion nanoparticles redox reaction system for the detection of GSH/Cys/AA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Liping; Ling, Bo; Wang, Lun; Chen, Hongqi

    2017-09-01

    An upconversion luminescence method was developed for the determination of glutathione (GSH), L-cysteine (Cys) or L-ascorbic acid (AA) based on redox reaction. We synthesized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)-modified Mn 2+ -doped NaYF 4 :Yb,Tm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), and the luminescence of these UCNPs was effectively quenched due to their carboxyl groups coordinating with Fe 3+ to form a UCNPs/Fe 3+ system. GSH, Cys or AA reduced Fe 3+ to Fe 2+ , which induced the luminescence recovery of the UCNPs. Under the optimized conditions, wide linear concentration ranges from 0.25-300μM for GSH, 0.5-875μM for Cys and 0.5-350μM for AA were found, and the detection limits (3S/K) were 0.2μM, 0.5μM and 0.2μM, respectively. Thus, the UCNPs/Fe 3+ system was successfully applied for sensing GSH, Cys or AA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Annealing time dependent up-conversion luminescence enhancement in magnesium–tellurite glass

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Amjad, Raja J., E-mail: rajajunaid25@gmail.com [Advanced Optical Material Research Group, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor bahru 81310 (Malaysia); Centre for Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab, QAC, Lahore 54590 (Pakistan); Sahar, M.R.; Ghoshal, S.K.; Dousti, M.R. [Advanced Optical Material Research Group, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor bahru 81310 (Malaysia); Riaz, S. [Centre for Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab, QAC, Lahore 54590 (Pakistan); Samavati, A.R.; Arifin, R. [Advanced Optical Material Research Group, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Johor bahru 81310 (Malaysia); Naseem, S. [Centre for Solid State Physics, University of the Punjab, QAC, Lahore 54590 (Pakistan)

    2013-04-15

    Silver nanoparticles (NPs) embedded Er{sup 3+} ions doped magnesium–tellurite glasses are prepared using melt quenching technique. Heat treatment with different time intervals above the glass transition temperature is applied in order to reduce the silver ions (Ag{sup +}) to silver NPs (Ag{sup o}). The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential thermal analyses (DTA), UV–vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy are used to examine annealing time dependent structural and optical properties. The characteristics temperatures such as glass transition temperature (T{sub g}), crystallization temperature (T{sub c}) and melting temperature (T{sub m}) obtained from DTA for an as prepared sample are 322 °C, 450 °C and 580 °C, respectively. TEM image clearly shows the homogeneous distribution of silver NPs with an average diameter ∼12 nm. The observed localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band is evidenced at 534 nm. Furthermore, the infrared to visible frequency up-conversion (UC) emission under 786 nm excitation exhibits three emission bands centered at 532 nm, 554 nm and 634 nm corresponding to {sup 2}H{sub 11/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2}, {sup 4}S{sub 3/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} transitions of Er{sup 3+}, respectively. Intensity of all the bands is found to enhance by increasing the annealing time up to 24 h. However, further increase in the annealing time duration (∼40 h) reduces the intensity. Enhancement in the luminescence intensity is understood in terms of the local field effect of the silver NPs whereas the quenching is attributed to the energy transfer from Er{sup 3+} ions to silver NPs. -- Highlights: ► Er{sup 3+}-doped silver NPs embedded magnesium–tellurite glasses are prepared. ► TEM confirms the successful precipitation of spherical NPs by heat treatment (HT). ► Luminescence is enhanced due to the growth of NPs after HT up to 24 h. ► With HT>24 h (40 h

  5. Three-dimensional micro-printing of temperature sensors based on up-conversion luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wickberg, Andreas; Mueller, Jonathan B. [Institute of Applied Physics and DFG-Center for Functional Nanostructures, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76128 Karlsruhe (Germany); Mange, Yatin J.; Nann, Thomas [Ian Wark Research Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes Blvd, Adelaide, SA 5095 (Australia); Fischer, Joachim [Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76128 Karlsruhe (Germany); Wegener, Martin [Institute of Applied Physics and DFG-Center for Functional Nanostructures, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76128 Karlsruhe (Germany); Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), 76128 Karlsruhe (Germany)

    2015-03-30

    The pronounced temperature dependence of up-conversion luminescence from nanoparticles doped with rare-earth elements enables local temperature measurements. By mixing these nanoparticles into a commercially available photoresist containing the low-fluorescence photo-initiator Irgacure 369, and by using three-dimensional direct laser writing, we show that micrometer sized local temperature sensors can be positioned lithographically as desired. Positioning is possible in pre-structured environments, e.g., within buried microfluidic channels or on optical or electronic chips. We use the latter as an example and demonstrate the measurement for both free space and waveguide-coupled excitation and detection. For the free space setting, we achieve a temperature standard deviation of 0.5 K at a time resolution of 1 s.

  6. Three-dimensional micro-printing of temperature sensors based on up-conversion luminescence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wickberg, Andreas; Mueller, Jonathan B.; Mange, Yatin J.; Nann, Thomas; Fischer, Joachim; Wegener, Martin

    2015-01-01

    The pronounced temperature dependence of up-conversion luminescence from nanoparticles doped with rare-earth elements enables local temperature measurements. By mixing these nanoparticles into a commercially available photoresist containing the low-fluorescence photo-initiator Irgacure 369, and by using three-dimensional direct laser writing, we show that micrometer sized local temperature sensors can be positioned lithographically as desired. Positioning is possible in pre-structured environments, e.g., within buried microfluidic channels or on optical or electronic chips. We use the latter as an example and demonstrate the measurement for both free space and waveguide-coupled excitation and detection. For the free space setting, we achieve a temperature standard deviation of 0.5 K at a time resolution of 1 s

  7. One-Step Protein Conjugation to Upconversion Nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lu, Jie; Chen, Yinghui; Liu, Deming; Ren, Wei; Lu, Yiqing; Shi, Yu; Piper, James; Paulsen, Ian; Jin, Dayong

    2015-10-20

    The emerging upconversion nanoparticles offer a fascinating library of ultrasensitive luminescent probes for a range of biotechnology applications from biomarker discovery to single molecule tracking, early disease diagnosis, deep tissue imaging, and drug delivery and therapies. The effective bioconjugation of inorganic nanoparticles to the molecule-specific proteins, free of agglomeration, nonspecific binding, or biomolecule deactivation, is crucial for molecular recognition of target molecules or cells. The current available protocols require multiple steps which can lead to low probe stability, specificity, and reproducibility. Here we report a simple and rapid protein bioconjugation method based on a one-step ligand exchange using the DNAs as the linker. Our method benefits from the robust DNA-protein conjugates as well as from multiple ions binding capability. Protein can be preconjugated via an amino group at the 3' end of a synthetic DNA molecule, so that the 5' end phosphoric acid group and multiple phosphate oxygen atoms in the phosphodiester bonds are exposed to replace the oleic acid ligands on the surface of upconversion nanoparticles due to their stronger chelating capability to lanthanides. We demonstrated that our method can efficiently pull out the upconversion nanoparticles from organic solvent into an aqueous phase. The upconversion nanoparticles then become hydrophilic, stable, and specific biomolecules recognition. This allows us to successfully functionalize the upconversion nanoparticles with horseradish peroxidise (HRP) for catalytic colorimetric assay and for streptavidin (SA)-biotin immunoassays.

  8. Spectral evidence for multi-pathway contribution to the upconversion pathway in NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ phosphors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cho, Youngho; Song, Si Won; Lim, Soo Yeong; Kim, Jae Hun; Park, Chan Ryang; Kim, Hyung Min

    2017-03-08

    Although upconversion phosphors have been widely used in nanomedicine, laser engineering, bioimaging, and solar cell technology, the upconversion luminescence mechanism of the phosphors has been fiercely debated. A comprehensive understanding of upconversion photophysics has been significantly impeded because the number of photons incorporated in the process in different competitive pathways could not be resolved. Few convincing results to estimate the contribution of each of the two-, three-, and four-photon channels of near-infrared (NIR) energy have been reported in yielding upconverted visible luminescence. In this study, we present the energy upconversion process occurring in NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ phosphors as a function of excitation frequency and power density. We investigated the upconversion mechanism of lanthanide phosphors by comparing UV/VIS one-photon excitation spectra and NIR multi-photon spectra. A detailed analysis of minor transitions in one-photon spectra and luminescence decay enables us to assign electronic origins of individual bands in multi-photon upconversion luminescence and provides characteristic transitions representing the corresponding upconversion channel. Furthermore, we estimated the quantitative contribution of multiple channels with respect to irradiation power and excitation energy.

  9. Ag2O dependent up-conversion luminescence properties in Tm3+/Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hu, Yuebo; Qiu, Jianbei; Song, Zhiguo; Zhou, Dacheng

    2014-01-01

    Up-conversion (UC) luminescence properties of Ag/Tm 3+ /Er 3+ /Yb 3+ co-doped oxyfluorogermanate glasses have been studied to assess the effective role of silver nanoparticles as a sensitizer for Tm 3+ and Er 3+ ions. The X-ray diffraction patterns obtained in this work do not reveal any crystalline phase in the glass. However, the absorption spectra reveal that surface plasmons resonance band of Ag undergoes a distinct split with two maxima and a very broad absorption peak with a background that extends toward the near infrared (NIR) with the increasing of Ag 2 O added concentration. Transmission electron microscope images confirm that silver nanoparticles have been precipitated from matrix glasses and show their distribution, size, and shapes. In addition, changes in UC luminescence intensity of four emission bands 476, 524, 546, and 658 nm corresponding to 1 G 4 → 3 H 6 (Tm 3+ ), ( 2 H 11/2 , 4 S 3/2 ) → 4 I 15/2 (Er 3+ ), and 4 F 9/2 → 4 I 15/2 (Er 3+ ) transitions, respectively, as a function of silver addition to the base composition have been measured under 980 nm excitation. It is confirmed that Ag 2 O added concentration plays an important role in increasing the UC luminescence intensity; however, further increase in Ag 2 O added concentration reduces the intensity

  10. Upconversion in solar cells

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-01-01

    The possibility to tune chemical and physical properties in nanosized materials has a strong impact on a variety of technologies, including photovoltaics. One of the prominent research areas of nanomaterials for photovoltaics involves spectral conversion. Modification of the spectrum requires down- and/or upconversion or downshifting of the spectrum, meaning that the energy of photons is modified to either lower (down) or higher (up) energy. Nanostructures such as quantum dots, luminescent dye molecules, and lanthanide-doped glasses are capable of absorbing photons at a certain wavelength and emitting photons at a different (shorter or longer) wavelength. We will discuss upconversion by lanthanide compounds in various host materials and will further demonstrate upconversion to work for thin-film silicon solar cells. PMID:23413889

  11. Mid-IR Imaging: Upconversion imager improves IR gas sensing

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sahlberg, Anna-Lena; Li, Zhongshan; Høgstedt, Lasse

    2014-01-01

    A nonlinear upconversion detector shows near-shot-noise-limited performance and compares favorably—while adding additional imaging information—to conventional cryogenic detectors in the measurement of trace-level gases at atmospheric pressure....

  12. Upconversion luminescence properties of Y2O3:Yb3+, Er3+ nanostructures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    De Gejihu; Qin Weiping; Zhang Jishen; Zhang Jishuang; Wang, Yan; Cao Chunyan; Cui Yang

    2006-01-01

    Cubic Y 2 O 3 nanostructures doped with Yb 3+ and Er 3+ ions were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. Three distinct shapes such as nanotubes, nanospheres and nanoflakes formed in the products by adjusting the pH value of reacting solution. Powder X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that all the three nanostructures are pure cubic phase, while electron microscopy measurements confirm the formation of different morphologies. These nanostructures exhibit strong visible upconversion luminescence under the excitation of a 978-nm diode laser. In Yb 3+ - and Er 3+ - codoped Y 2 O 3 nanocrystals, the relative intensity of green emission became stronger as the size and morphology of sample changed from tubes to flakes

  13. Application of upconversion luminescent-magnetic microbeads with weak background noise and facile separation in ochratoxin A detection

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liao, Zhenyu; Zhang, Ying; Su, Lin; Chang, Jin; Wang, Hanjie

    2017-01-01

    Ochratoxin A (OTA), the most harmful and abundant ochratoxin, is chemically stable and commonly existed in foodstuffs. In this work, upconversion luminescent-magnetic microbeads (UCLMMs) -based cytometric bead array for OTA detection with a less reagent consumption and high sensitivity has been established and optimized. In UCLMMs, upconversion nanocrystals (UCNs) for optical code present a weak background noise and no spectral cross talk between the encoding signals and target labels under two excitation conditions to improve detection sensitivity. While the superparamagnetic Fe_3O_4 nanoparticles (Fe_3O_4 NPs) aim for rapid analysis. The results show that the developed method has a sensitivity of 9.553 ppt below HPLC with a 50-μL sample and can be completed in <2 h with good accuracy and high reproducibility. Therefore, different colors of UCLMMs will become a promising assay platform for multiple mycotoxins after further improvement.

  14. Improved space bandwidth product in image upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Pedersen, Christian; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2012-01-01

    We present a technique increasing the space bandwidth product of a nonlinear image upconversion process used for spectral imaging. The technique exploits the strong dependency of the phase-matching condition in sum frequency generation (SFG) on the angle of propagation of the interacting fields...

  15. A comprehensive phononics of phonon assisted energy transfer in the Yb{sup 3+} aided upconversion luminescence of Tm{sup 3+} and Ho{sup 3+} in solids

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Debnath, Radhaballabh, E-mail: drdebnathr@gmail.com; Bose, Saptasree

    2015-05-15

    The theory of phonon assisted energy transfer is being widely used to explain the Yb{sup 3+} ion aided normal and upconversion emission of various rare earth ions in different Yb{sup 3+} co-doped solids. The reported phonon dynamics in many of these studies are either incomplete or erroneous. Here we report Yb{sup 3+} aided upconversion luminescence properties of Tm{sup 3+} and Ho{sup 3+} in (Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+}) and (Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+}) co-doped two BaO–tellurite glasses and explain their phononics in the light of Dexter's theory by proposing a comprehensive scheme. The approach is valid for other systems of different phonon structures. - Highlights: • Yb{sup 3+} aided upconversion luminescence properties of Tm{sup 3+} and Ho{sup 3+} in (Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+}) and (Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+}) co-doped two BaO–tellurite glasses, are reported. • Phonon assisted energy transfer in these systems are explained in the light of Dexter's theory by proposing a comprehensive scheme of phononics. • The approach is valid for other systems of different phonon structures.

  16. Upconversion imaging using short-wave infrared picosecond pulses

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Mathez, Morgan David; Rodrigo, Peter John; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2017-01-01

    beam diameter to upconvert a wider range of signal spatial frequencies in the crystal. The 1877 nm signal is converted into 849 nm—enabling an image to be acquired by a silicon CCD camera. The measured size of the smallest resolvable element of this imaging system is consistent with the value predicted...... repetition rate of 21.7 MHz. Due to synchronization of high peak-power pulses, efficient upconversion is achieved in a single-pass setup that employs a bulk lithium niobate crystal. Optimizing the temporal overlap of the pulses for high upconversion efficiency enables us to exploit a relatively large pump...... by an improved model that considers the combined image blurring effect due to finite pump beam size, thick nonlinear crystal, and polychromatic infrared illumination....

  17. Application of upconversion luminescent-magnetic microbeads with weak background noise and facile separation in ochratoxin A detection

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Liao, Zhenyu, E-mail: liaozy08@163.com [Tianjin Product Quality Inspection Technology Research Institute, The National Center of Supervision and Inspection for Quality of Food (China); Zhang, Ying [Tianjin University, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology (China); Su, Lin [Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Eye Institute and School of Optometry and Ophthalmology (China); Chang, Jin; Wang, Hanjie, E-mail: wanghj@tju.edu.cn [Tianjin University, School of Life Sciences, Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology (China)

    2017-02-15

    Ochratoxin A (OTA), the most harmful and abundant ochratoxin, is chemically stable and commonly existed in foodstuffs. In this work, upconversion luminescent-magnetic microbeads (UCLMMs) -based cytometric bead array for OTA detection with a less reagent consumption and high sensitivity has been established and optimized. In UCLMMs, upconversion nanocrystals (UCNs) for optical code present a weak background noise and no spectral cross talk between the encoding signals and target labels under two excitation conditions to improve detection sensitivity. While the superparamagnetic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} nanoparticles (Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs) aim for rapid analysis. The results show that the developed method has a sensitivity of 9.553 ppt below HPLC with a 50-μL sample and can be completed in <2 h with good accuracy and high reproducibility. Therefore, different colors of UCLMMs will become a promising assay platform for multiple mycotoxins after further improvement.

  18. Synthesis, Structural Characterization and Up-Conversion Luminescence Properties of NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+@MOFs Nanocomposites

    Science.gov (United States)

    Giang, Lam Thi Kieu; Marciniak, Lukasz; Huy, Tran Quang; Vu, Nguyen; Le, Ngo Thi Hong; Binh, Nguyen Thanh; Lam, Tran Dai; Minh, Le Quoc

    2017-10-01

    This paper describes a facile synthesis of NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+ nanoparticles embraced in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), known as NaYF4:Er3+, Yb3+@MOFs core/shell nanostructures, by using iron(III) carboxylate (MIL-100) and zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8). Morphological, structural and optical characterization of these nanostructures were investigated by field emission-scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, and up-conversion luminescence measurements. Results showed that spherical-shaped NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+@MIL-100 nanocomposites with diameters of 150-250 nm, and rod-shaped NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+@ZIF-8 nanocomposites with lengths of 300-550 nm, were successfully synthesized. Under a 980-nm laser excitation at room temperature, the NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+@MOFs nanocomposites exhibited strong up-conversion luminescence with two emission bands in the green part of spectrum at 520 nm and 540 nm corresponding to the 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ ions, respectively, and a red emission band at 655 nm corresponding to the 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+ ions. The above properties of NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+@MOFs make them promising candidates for applications in biotechnology.

  19. Upconversion based spectral imaging in 6 to 8 μm spectral regime

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Junaid, Saher; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Pedersen, Christian

    2017-01-01

    Spectral imaging in the 6 to 8μm range has great potential for medical diagnostics. Here a novel technique based on frequency upconversion of the infrared images to the near visible for subsequent acquisition using a Si-CCD camera is investigated. The upconversion unit consists of an AgGaS2 crystal...

  20. One-step hydrothermal synthesis of carboxyl-functionalized upconversion phosphors for bioapplications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Jianping; Shen, Dengke; Li, Xiaomin; Li, Wei; Fang, Yin; Wei, Yong; Yao, Chi; Tu, Bo; Zhang, Fan; Zhao, Dongyuan

    2012-10-22

    In this paper, we report a facile one-step hydrothermal method to synthesize phase-, size-, and shape-controlled carboxyl-functionalized rare-earth fluorescence upconversion phosphors by using a small-molecule binary acid, such as malonic acid, oxalic acid, succinic acid, or tartaric acid as capping agent. The crystals, from nano- to microstructures with diverse shapes that include nanospheres, microrods, hexagonal prisms, microtubes, microdisks, polygonal columns, and hexagonal tablets, can be obtained with different reaction times, reaction temperatures, molar ratios of capping agent to sodium hydroxide, and by varying the binary acids. Fourier transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, and upconversion luminescence spectra measurements indicate that the synthesized NaYF(4):Yb/Er products with hydrophilic carboxyl-functionalized surface offer efficient upconversion luminescent performance. Furthermore, the antibody/secondary antibody conjugation can be realized by the carboxyl-functionalized surfaces of the upconversion phosphors, thus indicating the potential bioapplications of these kinds of materials. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  1. Structural morphology, upconversion luminescence and optical thermometric sensing behavior of Y2O3:Er(3+)/Yb(3+) nano-crystalline phosphor.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Joshi, C; Dwivedi, A; Rai, S B

    2014-08-14

    Infrared-to-visible upconverting rare earths Er(3+)/Yb(3+) co-doped Y2O3 nano-crystalline phosphor samples have been prepared by solution combustion method followed by post-heat treatment at higher temperatures. A slight increase in average crystallite size has been found on calcinations verified by X-ray analysis. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirms the nano-crystalline nature of the as-prepared and calcinated samples. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis shows the structural changes in as-prepared and calcinated samples. Upconversion and downconversion emission recorded using 976 and 532 nm laser sources clearly demonstrates a better luminescence properties in the calcinated samples as compared to as-prepared sample. Upconversion emission has been quantified in terms of standard chromaticity diagram (CIE) showing a shift in overall upconversion emission of as-prepared and calcinated samples. Temperature sensing behaviour of this material has also been investigated by measurement of fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of various signals in green emission in the temperature range of 315 to 555 K under 976 nm laser excitation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  2. Study on upconversion luminescence and thermal properties of Ho{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped La{sub 2}O{sub 3}–TiO{sub 2}–ZrO{sub 2} glasses

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, Minghui; Wen, Haiqin [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050 (China); Yu, Huimei [Analysis and Testing Center of Inorganic Materials, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050 (China); Ai, Fei [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050 (China); Shao, Hui [School of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212003 (China); Pan, Xiuhong; Tang, Meibo; Yu, Jianding; Gai, Lijun [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050 (China); Liu, Yan, E-mail: liuyan@mail.sic.ac.cn [State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050 (China)

    2016-07-05

    Bulk Ho{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped La{sub 2}O{sub 3}–TiO{sub 2}–ZrO{sub 2} glass spheres were fabricated by aerodynamic levitation method. High concentration of Yb{sup 3+} ions was successfully doped in glasses. The effects of Yb{sup 3+} concentration on mechanical properties, Raman, absorption spectra, thermal stability, and glass forming ability were studied systematically. Green, red, and infrared emissions centered at 550, 662, and 758 nm were obtained at 980 nm excitation. Yellow light from glass spheres can be easily observed by naked eyes. As Yb{sup 3+} concentration increases, the upconversion luminescence can be improved obviously. The upconversion luminescence mechanism is a two-photon process of energy transfer, excited state absorption, and energy back transfer. The emission intensity can be enhanced in the samples with high Yb{sup 3+} concentration, since the absorption for the incident laser and the energy transfer efficiency are increased, and the nonradiative relaxation probability is reduced. The light color referring to the ratio for red to green emissions can be tuned by Yb{sup 3+} concentration. Ho{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} co-doped La{sub 2}O{sub 3}–TiO{sub 2}–ZrO{sub 2} glasses show promising comprehensive properties and are helpful to speed the application of upconversion luminescence materials. - Highlights: • Ho{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} doped titanate glasses are prepared by containerless processing. • The effects of Yb{sup 3+} on thermal and mechanical properties have been studied. • High concentration of Yb{sup 3+} is favorable to upconversion luminescence. • The mechanisms are energy transfer, excited state absorption, energy back transfer.

  3. Controllable synthesis and crystal structure determined upconversion luminescence properties of Tm{sup 3+} (Er{sup 3+}) ions doped YbF{sub 3} and NaYbF{sub 4} crystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Jiang, Tao [Institute of Photonics, Faculty of Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211 (China); Qin, Weiping, E-mail: wpqin@jlu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130012 (China); Zhou, Jun [Institute of Photonics, Faculty of Science, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211 (China)

    2014-04-01

    Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • The synthesis of YbF{sub 3} and NaYbF{sub 4} crystals was successfully fulfilled by hydrothermal method. • The phase and morphology of products were adjusted by changing the hydrothermal conditions. • Relatively enhanced ultraviolet upconversion emissions were observed in YbF{sub 3} nanocrystals. • The crystalline phase impact on the upconversion luminescence was systematically studied. - Abstract: The synthesis of YbF{sub 3} and NaYbF{sub 4} crystals was successfully fulfilled by a facial hydrothermal method. The phase and morphology of the products were adjusted by changing the surfactant additive and fluorine source and tuning the pH value of the initial solution. The products with various morphologies range from octahedral nanoparticles, corn-like nanobundles, nanospheres, microrods, and hollow microprisms were prepared at different conditions. The growth mechanism of these products has been systematically studied. Impressively, relatively enhanced high order ultraviolet (UV) upconversion (UC) luminescence was observed in Tm{sup 3+} (Er{sup 3+}) ions doped YbF{sub 3} nanocrystals (NCs) compared with NaYbF{sub 4} microcrystals under the excitation of 980 nm infrared laser. The investigation results reveal that the crystal symmetry of matrix has significant effect on the spectra and lifetimes of the doping lanthanide ions. The simply synthesized water soluble YbF{sub 3} NCs with efficient UV UC luminescence may find potential application in biochemistry.

  4. Upconversion applied for mid-IR hyperspectral image acquisition

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Kehlet, Louis Martinus; Sanders, Nicolai Højer

    2015-01-01

    Different schemes for upconversion mid-IR hyperspectral imaging is implemented and compared in terms of spectral coverage, spectral resolution, speed and noise. Phasematch scanning and scanning of the object within the field of view is considered....

  5. IR Image upconversion using band-limited ASE illumination fiber sources.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Maestre, H; Torregrosa, A J; Capmany, J

    2016-04-18

    We study the field-of-view (FOV) of an upconversion imaging system that employs an Amplified Spontaneous Emission (ASE) fiber source to illuminate a transmission target. As an intermediate case between narrowband laser and thermal illumination, an ASE fiber source allows for higher spectral intensity than thermal illumination and still keeps a broad wavelength spectrum to take advantage of an increased non-collinear phase-matching angle acceptance that enlarges the FOV of the upconversion system when compared to using narrowband laser illumination. A model is presented to predict the angular acceptance of the upconverter in terms of focusing and ASE spectral width and allocation. The model is experimentally checked in case of 1550-630 nm upconversion.

  6. Infrared up-conversion microscope

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    2014-01-01

    There is presented an up-conversion infrared microscope (110) arranged for imaging an associated object (130), wherein the up-conversion infrared microscope (110) comprises a non-linear crystal (120) arranged for up-conversion of infrared electromagnetic radiation, and wherein an objective optical...

  7. Infrared up-conversion telescope

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    2014-01-01

    There is presented to an up-conversion infrared telescope (110) arranged for imaging an associated scene (130), wherein the up-conversion infrared telescope (110) comprises a non-linear crystal (120) arranged for up-conversion of infrared electromagnetic radiation, and wherein a first optical...

  8. Advances in highly doped upconversion nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wen, Shihui; Zhou, Jiajia; Zheng, Kezhi; Bednarkiewicz, Artur; Liu, Xiaogang; Jin, Dayong

    2018-06-20

    Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are capable of converting near-infra-red excitation into visible and ultraviolet emission. Their unique optical properties have advanced a broad range of applications, such as fluorescent microscopy, deep-tissue bioimaging, nanomedicine, optogenetics, security labelling and volumetric display. However, the constraint of concentration quenching on upconversion luminescence has hampered the nanoscience community to develop bright UCNPs with a large number of dopants. This review surveys recent advances in developing highly doped UCNPs, highlights the strategies that bypass the concentration quenching effect, and discusses new optical properties as well as emerging applications enabled by these nanoparticles.

  9. A luminescence resonance energy transfer based aptasensor for the mycotoxin Ochratoxin A using upconversion nanoparticles and gold nanorods

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dai, Shaoliang; Wu, Shijia; Duan, Nuo; Wang, Zhouping

    2016-01-01

    The authors describe a turn-on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) method for the detection of the mycotoxin Ochratoxin A (OTA). It utilizes upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) of the type NaYF_4: Yb, Er as the energy donor and gold nanorods (Au NRs) as the acceptor. Biotin-labeled OTA aptamers were bound to the surface of the avidin-functionalized UCNPs. The AuNRs, in turn, were modified with thiolated OTA aptamer cDNA via thiol chemistry. The emission band of the UCNPs under 980-nm laser excitation has a maximum peaking at 657 nm and overlaps the absorption band of the AuNRs which peaks at 660 nm. Quenching of luminescence occurs because the hybridization actions shorten the distance between UCNPs and AuNRs. If, however, OTA is added, the two kinds of particles separate again because of the high affinity between OTA and the OTA aptamer. As a result, luminescence is recovered. The calibration plot is linear in the 0.05 to 100 ng mL"−"1 OTA concentration range, and the limit of detection is 27 pg mL"−"1. The method was successfully applied to the determination of OTA in beer. (author)

  10. Upconversion properties of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped TeO2-TiO2-K2O glasses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Su, Fangning; Deng, Zaide

    2006-01-01

    The Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped TeO2-TiO2-K2O glasses were prepared by conventional melting procedures, and their upconversion spectra were performed. The dependence of luminescence intensity on the ratio of Yb3+/Er3+ was studied, and the relationship between green upconversion luminescence intensity and Er3+ concentration is discussed in detail. The 546 nm green upconversion luminescence intensity is optimised in the studied glasses either when the Yb3+/Er3+ ratio is 25/1 and Er3+ concentration is 0.1 mol%, or when the Yb3+/Er3+ ratio is 10/1 and Er3+ concentration is 0.15 mol%. These glasses could be one of the potential candidates for LD pumping microchip solid-state lasers.

  11. Functionalized upconversion nanoparticles for cancer imaging and therapy

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Liu, K.

    2014-01-01

    Near infrared (NIR) light administrated fluorescence imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have shown great promising in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Especially with the recent development of the rare earth ions doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), much attentions have been attracted in

  12. Luminescence in medical image science

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kandarakis, I.S., E-mail: kandarakis@teiath.gr

    2016-01-15

    Radiation detection in Medical Imaging is mostly based on the use of luminescent materials (scintillators and phosphors) coupled to optical sensors. Materials are employed in the form of granular screens, structured (needle-like) crystals and single crystal transparent blocks. Storage phosphors are also incorporated in some x-ray imaging plates. Description of detector performance is currently based on quality metrics, such as the Luminescence efficiency, the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), the Noise Power Spectrum (NPS) and the Detective Quantum Efficiency (DQE) can be defined and evaluated. The aforementioned metrics are experimental evaluated for various materials in the form of screens. A software was designed (MINORE v1) to present image quality measurements in a graphical user interface (GUI) environment. Luminescence efficiency, signal and noise analysis are valuable tools for the evaluation of luminescent materials as candidates for medical imaging detectors. - Highlights: • Luminescence based medical imaging detectors. • Image science: MTF, NPS, DQE. • Phosphors screens light emission efficiency experimental evaluation. • Theoretical models for estimation of phosphor screen properties. • Software for medical image quality metrics.

  13. Upconversion in Nd3+-doped glasses: Microscopic theory and spectroscopic measurements

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Oliveira, S. L.; Sousa, D. F. de; Andrade, A. A.; Nunes, L. A. O.; Catunda, T.

    2008-01-01

    In this work, we report a systematic investigation of upconversion losses and their effects on fluorescence quantum efficiency and fractional thermal loading in Nd 3+ -doped fluoride glasses. The energy transfer upconversion (γ up ) parameter, which describes upconversion losses, was experimentally determined using different methods: thermal lens (TL) technique and steady state luminescence (SSL) measurements. Additionally, the upconversion parameter was also obtained from energy transfer models and excited state absorption measurements. The results reveal that the microscopic treatment provided by the energy transfer models is similar to the macroscopic ones achieved from the TL and SSL measurements because similar γ up parameters were obtained. Besides, the achieved results also point out the migration-assisted energy transfer according to diffusion-limited regime rather than hopping regime as responsible for the upconversion losses in Nd-doped glasses

  14. Recent advances in design and fabrication of upconversion nanoparticles and their safe theranostic applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gu, Zhanjun; Yan, Liang; Tian, Gan; Li, Shoujian; Chai, Zhifang; Zhao, Yuliang

    2013-07-26

    Lanthanide (Ln) doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted enormous attention in the recent years due to their unique upconversion luminescent properties that enable the conversion of low-energy photons (near infrared photons) into high-energy photons (visible to ultraviolet photons) via the multiphoton processes. This feature makes them ideal for bioimaging applications with attractive advantages such as no autofluorescence from biotissues and a large penetration depth. In addition, by incorporating advanced features, such as specific targeting, multimodality imaging and therapeutic delivery, the application of UCNPs has been dramatically expanded. In this review, we first summarize the recent developments in the fabrication strategies of UCNPs with the desired size, enhanced and tunable upconversion luminescence, as well as the combined multifunctionality. We then discuss the chemical methods applied for UCNPs surface functionalization to make these UCNPs biocompatible and water-soluble, and further highlight some representative examples of using UCNPs for in vivo bioimaging, NIR-triggered drug/gene delivery applications and photodynamic therapy. In the perspectives, we discuss the need of systematically nanotoxicology data for rational designs of UCNPs materials, their surface chemistry in safer biomedical applications. The UCNPs can actually provide an ideal multifunctionalized platform for solutions to many key issues in the front of medical sciences such as theranostics, individualized therapeutics, multimodality medicine, etc. Copyright © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  15. Comparative study on upconversion luminescence and temperature sensing of α- and β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} nano-/micro-crystals derived from a microwave-assisted hydrothermal route

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Tong, Lili [Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026 (China); Li, Xiangping, E-mail: lixp@dlmu.edu.cn [Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026 (China); Hua, Ruinian [College of Life Science, Dalian Nationalities University, Dalian 116600 (China); Li, Xuejing; Zheng, Hui; Sun, Jiashi; Zhang, Jinsu; Cheng, Lihong [Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026 (China); Chen, Baojiu, E-mail: chenmbj@sohu.com [Department of Physics, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026 (China)

    2015-11-15

    Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} co-doped α- and β-phase NaYF{sub 4} nano-/micro-crystals were prepared through a microwave-assisted hydrothermal route. The crystal structure and microscopic morphology of the samples were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Frequency upconverted emissions from the two thermally coupled excited state {sup 2}H{sub 11/2} and {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} levels of Er{sup 3+} in both phases of phosphors were recorded at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 573 K under 980 nm infrared laser excitation. The time scanning upconversion spectra were investigated in detail to reveal the thermal effect induced by laser irradiation and the luminescent thermal stability of the two phases NaYF{sub 4} polycrystals. Comparison of the upconversion luminescence and the sensitivity between the two phases NaYF{sub 4} polycrystals indicated that β-phase NaYF{sub 4} won much stronger luminescent intensity, better luminescent thermal stability, and higher temperature sensitivity. - Highlights: • Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} codoped NaYF{sub 4} were prepared by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal route. • The UC luminescence and temperature sensing properties were studied. • Comparison of the UCL and the sensitivity between α- and β-phase samples were done. • Thermal effect and UCL thermo-stability were studied by time scanning UCL spectra. • β-phase sample won much better luminescent and temperature sensing properties.

  16. Luminescence imaging using radionuclides: a potential application in molecular imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Park, Jeong Chan; Il An, Gwang; Park, Se-Il; Oh, Jungmin; Kim, Hong Joo; Su Ha, Yeong; Wang, Eun Kyung; Min Kim, Kyeong; Kim, Jung Young; Lee, Jaetae; Welch, Michael J.; Yoo, Jeongsoo

    2011-01-01

    Introduction: Nuclear and optical imaging are complementary in many aspects and there would be many advantages when optical imaging probes are prepared using radionuclides rather than classic fluorophores, and when nuclear and optical dual images are obtained using single imaging probe. Methods: The luminescence intensities of various radionuclides having different decay modes have been assayed using luminescence imaging and in vitro luminometer. Radioiodinated Herceptin was injected into a tumor-bearing mouse, and luminescence and microPET images were obtained. The plant dipped in [ 32 P]phosphate solution was scanned in luminescence mode. Radio-TLC plate was also imaged in the same imaging mode. Results: Radionuclides emitting high energy β + /β - particles showed higher luminescence signals. NIH3T6.7 tumors were detected in both optical and nuclear imaging. The uptake of [ 32 P]phosphate in plant was easily followed by luminescence imaging. Radio-TLC plate was visualized and radiochemical purity was quantified using luminescence imaging. Conclusion: Many radionuclides with high energetic β + or β - particles during decay were found to be imaged in luminescence mode due mainly to Cerenkov radiation. 'Cerenkov imaging' provides a new optical imaging platform and an invaluable bridge between optical and nuclear imaging. New optical imaging probes could be easily prepared using well-established radioiodination methods. Cerenkov imaging will have more applications in the research field of plant science and autoradiography.

  17. Enhanced 2D-image upconversion using solid-state lasers

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Pedersen, Christian; Karamehmedovic, Emir; Dam, Jeppe Seidelin

    2009-01-01

    the image inside a nonlinear PPKTP crystal located in the high intra-cavity field of a 1342 nm solid-state Nd:YVO4 laser, an upconverted image at 488 nm is generated. We have experimentally achieved an upconversion efficiency of 40% under CW conditions. The proposed technique can be further adapted for high...

  18. Infrared hyperspectral upconversion imaging using spatial object translation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kehlet, Louis Martinus; Sanders, Nicolai Højer; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2015-01-01

    In this paper hyperspectral imaging in the mid-infrared wavelength region is realised using nonlinear frequency upconversion. The infrared light is converted to the near-infrared region for detection with a Si-based CCD camera. The object is translated in a predefined grid by motorized actuators...

  19. Upconversion luminescence and blackbody radiation in tetragonal YSZ co-doped with Tm(3+) and Yb(3+).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Soares, M R N; Ferro, M; Costa, F M; Monteiro, T

    2015-12-21

    Lanthanide doped inorganic nanoparticles with upconversion luminescence are of utmost importance for biomedical applications, solid state lighting and photovoltaics. In this work we studied the downshifted luminescence, upconversion luminescence (UCL) and blackbody radiation of tetragonal yttrium stabilized zirconia co-doped with Tm(3+) and Yb(3+) single crystals and nanoparticles produced by laser floating zone and laser ablation in liquids, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation (PLE) were investigated at room temperature (RT). PL spectra exhibit the characteristic lines in UV, blue/green, red and NIR regions of the Tm(3+) (4f(12)) under resonant excitation into the high energy (2S+1)LJ multiplets. Under NIR excitation (980 nm), the samples placed in air display an intense NIR at ∼800 nm due to the (1)G4→(3)H5/(3)H4→(3)H6 transitions. Additionally, red, blue/green and ultraviolet UCL is observed arising from higher excited (1)G4 and (1)D2 multiplets. The power excitation dependence of the UCL intensity indicated that 2-3 low energy absorbed photons are involved in the UCL for low power levels, while for high powers, the identified saturation is dependent on the material size with a enhanced effect on the NPs. The temperature dependence of the UCL was investigated for single crystals and targets used in the ablation. An overall increase of the integrated intensity was found to occur between 12 K and the RT. The thermally activated process is described by activation energies of 10 meV and 30 meV for single crystals and targets, respectively. For the NPs, the UCL was found to be strongly sensitive to pressure conditions. Under vacuum conditions, instead of the narrow lines of the Tm(3+), a wide blackbody radiation was detected, responsible for the change in the emission colour from blue to orange. This phenomenon is totally reversible when the NPs are placed at ambient pressure. The UCL/blackbody radiation in the nanosized material exhibits

  20. Synthesis and up-conversion luminescence of Yb 3+

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    1.5Na0.5)F6 nanorods synthesized by employing a facile hydrothermal method. Numbers of Ho3+ ion up-conversion emissions have been observed under 980 nm infrared diode laser excitation. Three UC emissions of interest, ultraviolet, ...

  1. Color-tunable up-conversion emission of luminescent-plasmonic, core/shell nanomaterials – KY{sub 3}F{sub 10}:Yb{sup 3+},Tm{sup 3+}/SiO{sub 2}-NH{sub 2}/Au

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Runowski, Marcin, E-mail: runowski@amu.edu.pl

    2017-06-15

    Multifunctional luminescent-plasmonic KY{sub 3}F{sub 10}:Yb{sup 3+},Tm{sup 3+}/SiO{sub 2}-NH{sub 2}/Au nanomaterials were successfully obtained. The lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles (NPs), synthesized under hydrothermal conditions exhibited bright blue up-conversion luminescence (λ{sub ex}=980 nm). Such lanthanide nanocrystals (20–40 nm) were coated with amine modified silica shell, forming core/shell nanostructures. Their surface was further uniformly covered with ultra-small gold NPs (4–7 nm). The as-prepared luminescent-plasmonic core/shell nanomaterials exhibited tunable up-conversion emission, due to the interactions between plasmonic and luminescent phases. The emission of Tm{sup 3+} ion was affected by the surface Au NPs, which exhibited strong plasmonic absorption in the visible range (450–650 nm). The increasing amount of the surface Au NPs, led to the significant alterations in a ratio of the Tm{sup 3+} emission bands. The NIR band ({sup 3}H{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 6}) was unchanged, whereas the ratio and relative intensity of the bands in a visible range ({sup 1}G{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 6} and {sup 1}G{sub 4}→{sup 3}F{sub 4}) was altered. This led to the significant change of the emission spectra shape and influenced color of emission, tuning it from bright blue to blue-violet. The products obtained were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and luminescence spectroscopy (excitation/emission spectra and luminescence decay curves).

  2. Upconversion excitations in Pr3+-doped BaY2F8 crystal

    Science.gov (United States)

    Piramidowicz, R.; Mahiou, R.; Boutinaud, P.; Malinowski, M.

    2011-09-01

    We report the orange-to-blue and infrared-(IR)-to-blue wavelengths upconversion luminescence in Pr3+:BaY2F8 crystals. Mechanism of the orange light upconversion into blue 3P0 state emission was confirmed to be energy transfer between two Pr3+ ions in the 1D2 state. IR-to-blue upconversion has only been observed under two different color IR pumping. The first resonant step was the 3H4→1G4 ground state absorption transition, and the second resonant transition was the excited state absorption from the 1G4 to 1I6 and 3PJ levels. A comparison of the efficiency of the IR-to-blue upconversion in several praseodymium activated host is presented and discussed. A model of the IR pumped upconversion praseodymium blue laser is presented and the population inversion conditions are calculated.

  3. Near diffraction limited mid-IR spectromicroscopy using frequency upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sanders, Nicolai Højer; Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2014-01-01

    morphological and spectral imaging. Recent developments in nonlinear frequency upconversion, have demonstrated the potential to perform both imaging and spectroscopy in the mid-IR range at unparalleled low levels of illumination, the low upconversion detector noise being orders of magnitude below competing...... technologies. With these applications in mind, we have incorporated microscopy optics into an image upconversion system, achieving near diffraction limited spatial resolution in the 3 μm range. Spectroscopic information is further acquired by appropriate control of the phase match condition of the upconversion...

  4. One-pot synthesis of hollow structured upconversion luminescent β-NaYF4:Yb0.2Er0.02 nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wu, Qinglong; Pei, Jianfeng; De, Gejihu

    2014-01-01

    Monodisperse, uniform, and hollow structured hexagonal sodium yttrium fluoride nanoparticles co-doped with Yb 3+ and Er 3+ (NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ , Er 3+ ) were successfully prepared by a facile one-pot thermal decomposition route. The crystal structure, morphology and upconversion spectra of the sample were investigated using X-ray powder diffractometer, transmission electron microscope, and fluorescence spectrophotometer with an external 980 nm single-wavelength diode laser. The synthesized nanoparticles were easily dispersed in nonpolar solvents, showed an extremely narrow particle distribution, and were determined to have a diameter about (14.3)±(1.1) nm. Moreover, the nanoparticles were dispersed in water via modification of the capping oleic acid ligand by HCl. To the synthesis of such monidisperse, water-soluble, hollow structured lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles may lead to potential applications in drug delivery and bioimaging. - Highlights: • Hollow structured hexagonal NaYF 4 :Yb 0.2 Er 0.02 luminescent nanoparticles were prepared by a facile one-pot thermal decomposition route. • HCl was used to render the nanoparticles to water solubility. • The bright green light and transparent solution indicate that as-treated water-soluble nanoparticles may lead to potential applications in drug delivery and bioimaging

  5. Enhanced green upconversion by controlled ceramization of Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped sodium niobium tellurite glass–ceramics for low temperature sensors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Suresh Kumar, J.; Pavani, K.; Graça, M.P.F.; Soares, M.J.

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Upconversion luminescence improved in glass–ceramics compared to host glass. • Judd–Ofelt and radiative parameters calculated. • NIR decay curve results concur the results of improved luminescence. • Temperature dependent upconversion support the use of materials for sensors. - Abstract: Tellurite based glasses are well-known for their upconversion properties besides having a disadvantage of low mechanical strength dragging them away from practical applications. The present work deals with preparation of sodium niobium tellurite (SNT) glasses using melt quenching method, in which small quantities of boron and silicon in the form of oxides are added to improve their mechanical properties. Controlled heat treatment is performed to ceramize the prepared glasses based on the thermal data given by DTA. XRD and SEM profiles of the glass–ceramics which confirmed the formation of crystalline monoclinic Sodium Tellurium Niobium Oxide (Na 1.4 Nb 3 Te 4.9 O 18 ) phase (JCPDS card No. 04–011-7556). Upconversion measurements in the visible region were made for the prepared Er 3+ –Yb 3+ co-doped glasses and glass–ceramics with 980 nm laser excitation varying the laser power and concentration of Er 3+ ions. Results showed that the upconversion luminescence intensity was enhanced by ten times in SNT glass–ceramics compared to that in the SNT glasses. Decay curves give evidence of high performance of glass–ceramics compared to glasses due to ceramization and structural changes. Temperature dependent visible upconversion was performed to test the ability of efficient SNT glass–ceramic at low temperatures and variation of upconversion intensities was studied

  6. Effect of various surfactants on changes in the emission color chromaticity in upconversion YVO4: Yb3+, Er3+ nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Woźny, Przemysław; Szczeszak, Agata; Lis, Stefan

    2018-02-01

    YVO4: Yb3+,Er3+ upconverting nanocrystals were synthesized via a hydrothermal method using different compounds as surfactants. Structure and morphology of the nanocrystals were investigated by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Tetragonal crystal structure of the nanocrystals appeared irrespective of the type of surfactant used. The average crystallite size was estimated by TEM images. The obtained products were composed of small nanoparticles, in the size range of 10-60 nm, depending on the surfactant used. The morphology of the nanoparticles was also regulated by the type of surfactant. Spectroscopic analysis of the materials obtained was carried out by measuring the emission and excitation spectra and the intensity of luminescence as a function of laser energy and luminescence decays. The nanocrystals prepared exhibited a green upconversion emission attributed to the 2H11/2 → 4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+, under NIR (985 nm) pulse laser irradiation, and their emission lifetimes were in the range 3.84-4.90 μs. On the basis of the spectroscopic investigation, the upconversion mechanism was proposed and chromaticity coordinates were calculated. Surfactants were found to influence on chromaticity of luminescence.

  7. Judd-Ofelt analysis and temperature dependent upconversion luminescence of Er{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} codoped Gd{sub 2}(MoO{sub 4}){sub 3} phosphor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lu, Hongyu [Department of Physics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Gao, Yachen [College of Electronic Engineering, Heilongjiang University, Harbin 150080 (China); Hao, Haoyue; Shi, Guang [Department of Physics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Li, Dongyu [Department of Physics, Lingnan Normal University, Zhanjiang 524048 (China); Song, Yinglin [Department of Physics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Wang, Yuxiao, E-mail: wangyx@hit.edu.cn [Department of Physics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China); Zhang, Xueru, E-mail: xrzhang@hit.edu.cn [Department of Physics, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin 150001 (China)

    2017-06-15

    Although lanthanide doped luminescent materials have been extensively investigated, a quantitative analysis of how temperature affects upconversion luminescence is still incomplete. The Gd{sub 2}(MoO{sub 4}){sub 3}:Er{sup 3+}/Yb{sup 3+} phosphor is synthetized by sol-gel method. Based on the absorption spectra of Er{sup 3+} ions, J-O intensity parameters and radiative transition probabilities are computed to estimate the optical properties. In view of ion-phonon interaction, the phonon-assisted energy transfer and multiphonon relaxation are responsible for the temperature dependent luminescence. Additionally, cross relaxation probability for {sup 4}I{sub 11/2}+{sup 4}I{sub 11/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2}+{sup 4}F{sub 7/2} is determined to be 240 s{sup −1} through quantitative simulation of ion-ion interaction. These meaningful results are of vital values for the field of laser crystal and optical temperature sensing.

  8. Structural and light up-conversion luminescence properties of Er3+-Yb3+-W6+ substituted Bi4Ti3O12

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bokolia, Renuka; Rai, Vineet K.; Chauhan, Lalita; Sreenivas, K.

    2016-05-01

    The structural and light up-conversion (UC) luminescence properties of W6+ substituted Bi3.79Er0.03Yb0.18Ti3-xWxO12 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) ceramics prepared by solid state reaction method have been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the formation of single phase material with orthorhombic structure. A decrease in the lattice parameters and unit cell volume is observed with increasing W content. Strong UC luminescence at 527, 548 and 662 nm is seen under an excitation of 980 nm for an optimum W content (x = 0.06) and is attributed to the transitions 2H11/2 →4I15/2, 4S3/2 →4I15/2 and 4F9/2 →4I15/2 respectively. The improved UC luminescence is ascribed to the reduced defects such as oxygen vacancies and change in the crystal field around Er3+ ions due to B-site (Ti4+) substitution with W6+ ions. Enhanced UC emission is observed for an optimum content of w6+ in the prepared composition Bi3.79Er0.03Yb0.18Ti3-xWxO12 for x = 0.06.

  9. Quantitative luminescence imaging system

    Science.gov (United States)

    Erwin, David N.; Kiel, Johnathan L.; Batishko, Charles R.; Stahl, Kurt A.

    1990-01-01

    The QLIS images and quantifies low-level chemiluminescent reactions in an electromagnetic field. It is capable of real time nonperturbing measurement and simultaneous recording of many biochemical and chemical reactions such as luminescent immunoassays or enzyme assays. The system comprises image transfer optics, a low-light level digitizing camera with image intensifying microchannel plates, an image process or, and a control computer. The image transfer optics may be a fiber image guide with a bend, or a microscope, to take the light outside of the RF field. Output of the camera is transformed into a localized rate of cumulative digitalized data or enhanced video display or hard-copy images. The system may be used as a luminescent microdosimetry device for radiofrequency or microwave radiation, as a thermal dosimeter, or in the dosimetry of ultra-sound (sonoluminescence) or ionizing radiation. It provides a near-real-time system capable of measuring the extremely low light levels from luminescent reactions in electromagnetic fields in the areas of chemiluminescence assays and thermal microdosimetry, and is capable of near-real-time imaging of the sample to allow spatial distribution analysis of the reaction. It can be used to instrument three distinctly different irradiation configurations, comprising (1) RF waveguide irradiation of a small Petri-dish-shaped sample cell, (2) RF irradiation of samples in a microscope for the microscopie imaging and measurement, and (3) RF irradiation of small to human body-sized samples in an anechoic chamber.

  10. Luminescence imaging of water during alpha particle irradiation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi; Komori, Masataka; Koyama, Shuji; Toshito, Toshiyuki

    2016-05-01

    The luminescence imaging of water using the alpha particle irradiation of several MeV energy range is thought to be impossible because this alpha particle energy is far below the Cerenkov-light threshold and the secondary electrons produced in this energy range do not emit Cerenkov-light. Contrary to this consensus, we found that the luminescence imaging of water was possible with 5.5 MeV alpha particle irradiation. We placed a 2 MBq of 241Am alpha source in water, and luminescence images of the source were conducted with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. We also carried out such imaging of the alpha source in three different conditions to compare the photon productions with that of water, in air, with a plastic scintillator, and an acrylic plate. The luminescence imaging of water was observed from 10 to 20 s acquisition, and the intensity was linearly increased with time. The intensity of the luminescence with the alpha irradiation of water was 0.05% of that with the plastic scintillator, 4% with air, and 15% with the acrylic plate. The resolution of the luminescence image of water was better than 0.25 mm FWHM. Alpha particles of 5.5 MeV energy emit luminescence in water. Although the intensity of the luminescence was smaller than that in air, it was clearly observable. The luminescence of water with alpha particles would be a new method for alpha particle detection and distribution measurements in water.

  11. Luminescence imaging of water during alpha particle irradiation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi, E-mail: s-yama@met.nagoya-u.ac.jp [Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine (Japan); Komori, Masataka; Koyama, Shuji [Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine (Japan); Toshito, Toshiyuki [Department of Proton Therapy Physics, Nagoya Proton Therapy Center, Nagoya City West Medical Center (Japan)

    2016-05-21

    The luminescence imaging of water using the alpha particle irradiation of several MeV energy range is thought to be impossible because this alpha particle energy is far below the Cerenkov-light threshold and the secondary electrons produced in this energy range do not emit Cerenkov-light. Contrary to this consensus, we found that the luminescence imaging of water was possible with 5.5 MeV alpha particle irradiation. We placed a 2 MBq of {sup 241}Am alpha source in water, and luminescence images of the source were conducted with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. We also carried out such imaging of the alpha source in three different conditions to compare the photon productions with that of water, in air, with a plastic scintillator, and an acrylic plate. The luminescence imaging of water was observed from 10 to 20 s acquisition, and the intensity was linearly increased with time. The intensity of the luminescence with the alpha irradiation of water was 0.05% of that with the plastic scintillator, 4% with air, and 15% with the acrylic plate. The resolution of the luminescence image of water was better than 0.25 mm FWHM. Alpha particles of 5.5 MeV energy emit luminescence in water. Although the intensity of the luminescence was smaller than that in air, it was clearly observable. The luminescence of water with alpha particles would be a new method for alpha particle detection and distribution measurements in water.

  12. Microbubble embedded with upconversion nanoparticles as a bimodal contrast agent for fluorescence and ultrasound imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jin, Birui; Lin, Min; You, Minli; Xu, Feng; Lu, Tianjian; Zong, Yujin; Wan, Mingxi; Duan, Zhenfeng

    2015-01-01

    Bimodal imaging offers additional imaging signal thus finds wide spread application in clinical diagnostic imaging. Fluorescence/ultrasound bimodal imaging contrast agent using fluorescent dyes or quantum dots for fluorescence signal has emerged as a promising method, which however requires visible light or UV irradiation resulting in photobleaching, photoblinking, auto-fluorescence and limited tissue penetration depth. To surmount these problems, we developed a novel bimodal contrast agent using layer-by-layer assembly of upconversion nanoparticles onto the surface of microbubbles. The resulting microbubbles with average size of 2 μm provide enhanced ultrasound echo for ultrasound imaging and upconversion emission upon near infrared irradiation for fluorescence imaging. The developed bimodal contrast agent holds great potential to be applied in ultrasound target technique for targeted diseases diagnostics and therapy. (paper)

  13. Multifunctional Optical Sensors for Nanomanometry and Nanothermometry: High-Pressure and High-Temperature Upconversion Luminescence of Lanthanide-Doped Phosphates-LaPO4/YPO4:Yb3+-Tm3.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Runowski, Marcin; Shyichuk, Andrii; Tymiński, Artur; Grzyb, Tomasz; Lavín, Víctor; Lis, Stefan

    2018-05-23

    Upconversion luminescence of nano-sized Yb 3+ and Tm 3+ codoped rare earth phosphates, that is, LaPO 4 and YPO 4 , has been investigated under high-pressure (HP, up to ∼25 GPa) and high-temperature (293-773 K) conditions. The pressure-dependent luminescence properties of the nanocrystals, that is, energy red shift of the band centroids, changes of the band ratios, shortening of upconversion lifetimes, and so forth, make the studied nanomaterials suitable for optical pressure sensing in nanomanometry. Furthermore, thanks to the large energy difference (∼1800 cm -1 ), the thermalized states of Tm 3+ ions are spectrally well-separated, providing high-temperature resolution, required in optical nanothermometry. The temperature of the system containing such active nanomaterials can be determined on the basis of the thermally induced changes of the Tm 3+ band ratio ( 3 F 2,3 → 3 H 6 / 3 H 4 → 3 H 6 ), observed in the emission spectra. The advantage of such upconverting optical sensors is the use of near-infrared light, which is highly penetrable for many materials. The investigated nanomanometers/nanothermometers have been successfully applied, as a proof-of-concept of a novel bimodal optical gauge, for the determination of the temperature of the heated system (473 K), which was simultaneously compressed under HP (1.5 and 5 GPa).

  14. Tunable green/red luminescence by infrared upconversion in biocompatible forsterite nanoparticles with high erbium doping uptake

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zampiva, Rúbia Young Sun; Acauan, Luiz Henrique; Venturini, Janio; Garcia, Jose Augusto Martins; da Silva, Diego Silverio; Han, Zhaohong; Kassab, Luciana Reyes Pires; Wetter, Niklaus Ursus; Agarwal, Anuradha; Alves, Annelise Kopp; Bergmann, Carlos Pérez

    2018-02-01

    Nanoparticles represent a promising platform for diagnostics and therapy of human diseases. For biomedical applications, these nanoparticles are usually coated with photosensitizers regularly activated in a spectral window of 530-700 nm. The emissions at 530 nm (green) and 660 nm (red) are of particular interest for imaging and photodynamic therapy, respectively. This work presents the Mg2SiO4:Er3+ system, produced by reverse strike co-precipitation, with up to 10% dopant and no secondary phase formation. These nanoparticles when excited at 985 nm show upconversion emission with peaks around 530 and 660 nm, although excitation at 808 nm leads to only a single emission peak at around 530 nm. The direct upconversion of this biomaterial without a co-dopant, and its tunability by the excitation source, renders Mg2SiO4:Er3+ nanoparticles a promising system for biomedical applications.

  15. Enhanced green upconversion by controlled ceramization of Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} co-doped sodium niobium tellurite glass–ceramics for low temperature sensors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Suresh Kumar, J., E-mail: suresh@ua.pt; Pavani, K.; Graça, M.P.F.; Soares, M.J.

    2014-12-25

    Highlights: • Upconversion luminescence improved in glass–ceramics compared to host glass. • Judd–Ofelt and radiative parameters calculated. • NIR decay curve results concur the results of improved luminescence. • Temperature dependent upconversion support the use of materials for sensors. - Abstract: Tellurite based glasses are well-known for their upconversion properties besides having a disadvantage of low mechanical strength dragging them away from practical applications. The present work deals with preparation of sodium niobium tellurite (SNT) glasses using melt quenching method, in which small quantities of boron and silicon in the form of oxides are added to improve their mechanical properties. Controlled heat treatment is performed to ceramize the prepared glasses based on the thermal data given by DTA. XRD and SEM profiles of the glass–ceramics which confirmed the formation of crystalline monoclinic Sodium Tellurium Niobium Oxide (Na{sub 1.4}Nb{sub 3}Te{sub 4.9}O{sub 18}) phase (JCPDS card No. 04–011-7556). Upconversion measurements in the visible region were made for the prepared Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} co-doped glasses and glass–ceramics with 980 nm laser excitation varying the laser power and concentration of Er{sup 3+} ions. Results showed that the upconversion luminescence intensity was enhanced by ten times in SNT glass–ceramics compared to that in the SNT glasses. Decay curves give evidence of high performance of glass–ceramics compared to glasses due to ceramization and structural changes. Temperature dependent visible upconversion was performed to test the ability of efficient SNT glass–ceramic at low temperatures and variation of upconversion intensities was studied.

  16. Sensing Using Rare-Earth-Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles

    OpenAIRE

    Hao, Shuwei; Chen, Guanying; Yang, Chunhui

    2013-01-01

    Optical sensing plays an important role in theranostics due to its capability to detect hint biochemical entities or molecular targets as well as to precisely monitor specific fundamental psychological processes. Rare-earth (RE) doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are promising for these endeavors due to their unique frequency converting capability; they emit efficient and sharp visible or ultraviolet (UV) luminescence via use of ladder-like energy levels of RE ions when excited at near ...

  17. Luminescence properties of Yb:Nd:Tm:KY3F10 nanophosphor and thermal treatment effects

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gomes, Laércio; Linhares, Horácio Marconi da Silva M.D.; Ichikawa, Rodrigo Uchida; Martinez, Luis Gallego; Ranieri, Izilda Marcia

    2015-01-01

    In this work, we present the spectroscopic properties of KY 3 F 10 (KY3F) nanocrystals activated with thulium and codoped with ytterbium and neodymium ions. The most important processes that lead to the thulium upconversion emissions in the blue region were identified. A time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy technique was employed to measure the luminescence decays and to determine the most important mechanisms involved in the upconversion process that populates 1 G 4 (Tm 3+ ) excited states. Analysis of the energy-transfer processes dynamics using selective pulsed-laser excitations in Yb:Nd:Tm, Nd:KY3F nanocrystals shows that the direct energy transfer from Nd 3+ to Tm 3+ ions is the mechanism responsible for the 78% of the blue upconversion luminescence in the Yb:Nd:Tm:KY3F when compared with the Yb:Nd:Tm:KY3F bulk crystal for an laser excitation at 802 nm. An investigation of the 1 G 4 level luminescence kinetic of Tm 3+ in Yb/Nd/Tm system revealed that the luminescence efficiency ( 1 G 4 ) starts with a very low value (0.38%) for the synthesized nanocrystal (as grown) and strongly increases to 97% after thermal treatment at 550 °C for 6 h under argon flow. As a consequence of the thermal treatment at T=550 °C, the contributions of the (Nd×Tm) (Up 1 ) and (Nd×Yb×Tm) (Up 2 ) upconversion processes to the 1 G 4 luminescence are 33% (Up 1 ) and 67% for Up 2 . Up 2 process represented by Nd 3+ ( 4 F 3/2 )→Yb 3+ ( 2 F 7/2 ) followed by Yb 3+ ( 2 F 5/2 )→Tm ( 3 H 4 )→Tm 3+ ( 1 G 4 ) was previously reported as the main mechanism to produce the blue luminescence in Yb:Nd:Tm:YLiF 4 and KY 3 F 10 bulk crystals. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis of nanopowder using the Rietveld method reveled that crystallite sizes remain unchanged (12–14 nm) after thermal treatments with T≤400 °C, while the 1 G 4 luminescence efficiency strongly increases from 0.38% (T=25 °C) to 12% (T=400 °C). Results shown that the Nd 3+ ions distribution has a concentration

  18. A dual-targeting upconversion nanoplatform for two-color fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Xu; Yang, Cheng-Xiong; Chen, Jia-Tong; Yan, Xiu-Ping

    2014-04-01

    The targetability of a theranostic probe is one of the keys to assuring its theranostic efficiency. Here we show the design and fabrication of a dual-targeting upconversion nanoplatform for two-color fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT). The nanoplatform was prepared from 3-aminophenylboronic acid functionalized upconversion nanocrystals (APBA-UCNPs) and hyaluronated fullerene (HAC60) via a specific diol-borate condensation. The two specific ligands of aminophenylboronic acid and hyaluronic acid provide synergistic targeting effects, high targetability, and hence a dramatically elevated uptake of the nanoplatform by cancer cells. The high generation yield of (1)O2 due to multiplexed Förster resonance energy transfer between APBA-UCNPs (donor) and HAC60 (acceptor) allows effective therapy. The present nanoplatform shows great potential for highly selective tumor-targeted imaging-guided PDT.

  19. Direct imaging of optical interference in erbium-doped Al2O3 waveguides

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Hoven, van den G.N.; Polman, A.; Dam, van C.; Uffelen, van J.W.M.; Smit, M.K.

    1996-01-01

    Interference of 1.48-mu m light in multimode interference waveguides is made visible by imaging green and infrared upconversion luminescence from Er3+ ions dispersed in the waveguide. A two-dimensional mode density image can be derived from the data and agrees well with mode calculations for this

  20. Luminescence investigation of Yb3+/Er3+ codoped single LiYF4 microparticle

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gao, Wei; Zheng, Hairong; He, Enjie; Lu, Ying; Gao, Fangqi

    2014-01-01

    Tetragonal phase LiYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ microparticles are synthesized via facile hydrothermal method. Single LiYF 4 microparticle is excited with IR laser at 980 nm in a confocal setup, and strong green and weak red emissions are observed. It is found that single LiYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ microparticle with sub-structure presents stronger upconversion luminescence emission and smaller intensity ratio of red to green emission than that from LiYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ microparticle with no sub-structure. The possible mechanism, the influence of particle size and the existence of EDTA on the upconversion luminescence emission are investigated. The current study suggests that the luminescence observation with single micropaticle can effectively avoid the influence of environment and neighbor particles, which is important for investigating the luminescence properties of micro- or nano-crystals and for extending their application. - Highlights: • Single LiYF 4 microparticle is excited with IR laser at 980 nm in a confocal setup, and strong green and weak red emissions are observed. • Single LiYF 4 microparticle with different morphology exhibits different fluorescence emission intensity and intensity ratio of red to green emission. • The possible mechanism, the influence of particle size and the existence of EDTA on the upconversion emission are investigated

  1. Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and some other luminescence images from granite slices exposed with radiations

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hashimoto, T.; Notoya, S.; Ojima, T.; Hoteida, M.

    1995-01-01

    Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) images of some X- and γ-irradiated granite slices were obtained using photon detection through a 570 nm bandpass filter with diode-laser excitation of 910 nm. Alternative photo-induced phosphorescence (PIP) images, which were colour photographed immediately after the sunlight exposure of slice samples, were also found to be helpful in the observation of the luminescence properties and to filter selection for OSL measurements. These OSL and PIP images were compared with some other colour luminescence images, including thermoluminescence images (TLCI) and after-glow images (AGCI). It was obvious that there exists a variety of coloured emissions derived mainly from feldspar constituents and these were found to be dependent on the geological history or metamorphism of the granites. (Author)

  2. Visible and near infrared up-conversion luminescence in Yb3+/Tm3+ co-doped yttria-alumino-silicate glass based optical fibers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Halder, Arindam; Chandra Paul, Mukul; Wadi Harun, Sulaiman; Kumar Bhadra, Shyamal; Bysakh, Sandip; Das, Shyamal; Pal, Mrinmay

    2013-01-01

    We report blue light up-conversion (UC) emission in Yb–Tm co-doped nano-phase separated yttria-alumino-silicate (YAS) glass based D-shaped with low-index cladding optical fibers. Y 2 O 3 creates an environment of nano structured YAS glass phases with Yb and Tm rich zone into the core glass which confirmed from TEM analyses. This kind of glass host assists in distributing of Yb and Tm rich zone uniformly throughout the core region. Yb and Tm doped regions exist mainly into nano YAS phases, defined as RE rich nano YAS-RE phases. All samples exhibit UC luminescence peaks at 483 nm, 650 nm and 817 nm for Tm 3+ and 1044 nm for Yb 3+ under excitation by 975 nm laser light. In such type of nano-engineered glass–ceramic based host, almost all the Yb ions transferred its energy to the nearer Tm ions. In particular 483 nm emission is attributed to 1 G 4 → 3 H 6 transition through a three step resonance energy transfer (ET) from excited Yb 3+ . The highest emission intensity is obtained with a concentration of 0.5 wt% Tm 3+ and 2.0 wt% Yb 3+ . The ET between Yb 3+ and Tm 3+ is increased with increase of Yb 3+ concentration with respect to Tm 3+ . The experimental fluorescence life-times of Tm 3+ upconversion emission at visible wavelengths into such kind of fiber is reported under 975 nm pump excitation. The present study is important for development of an efficient tunable 483 nm fluorescence light source. -- Highlights: • We report nano-phase separated YAS glass host based Yb–Tm co-doped optical fibers. • Almost all the Yb transferred its energy to the neighboring Tm ions. • We report strong UC luminescence peaks at 483 nm and 817 nm wavelengths. • We report third ET coefficient as 1.6723 Hz for such kind of Yb–Tm codoped fiber. • We report suitable fiber as an efficient tunable 483 nm fluorescence light source

  3. Study of upconversion fluorescence property of novel Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped tellurite glasses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xu, Tie-Feng; Li, Guang-Po; Nie, Qiu-Hua; Shen, Xiang

    2006-06-01

    Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped TeO2-B2O3-Nb2O5-ZnO (TBN) glasses were prepared. The absorption spectra and upconversion luminescence spectra of TBN glasses were measured and analyzed. The upconversion emission bands centered at 530, 546 and 658 nm were observed under the excitation at 975 nm, corresponding to the transitions of 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2 and 4F9/2-->4I15/2 respectively. The ratio of red emission to green emission increases with an increasing of Yb3+ ions concentration. According to the quadratic dependence on excitation power, the possible upconversion mechanisms and processes were discussed.

  4. Enhancement of red upconversion emission of cubic phase NaLuF{sub 4}: Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+}/Ce{sup 3+} nanocrystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gao, Wei, E-mail: gaowei@xupt.edu.com; Dong, Jun, E-mail: dongjun@xupt.edu.cn; Liu, Jihong; Yan, Xuewen

    2016-08-15

    Highlights: • The upconversion emission of Ho{sup 3+} ions was tuned from green to red. • The upconversion mechanism of Ho{sup 3+} ions was discussed based on emission spectrum. • The conversion efficiency between Ho{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+} were studied and calculated. - Abstract: The red upconversion emission of lanthanide-doped fluoride nanocrystals have great potential applications in color display and anticounterfeiting applications, especially for biological imaging and biomedical. In this work, a significant enhancement of red upconversion emission of Ho{sup 3+} ions was successfully obtained in the cubic phase NaLuF{sub 4} nanocrystals through codoping Ce{sup 3+} ions under NIR 980 nm excitation. The ratio of red-to-green emission of Ho{sup 3+} ions was enhanced about 10-fold, which is due to two efficient cross relaxation processes derived from Ho{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+} ions promoted the red emission and quenched the green emission. The upconversion emission and luminescent colors of NaLuF{sub 4}: Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} nanocrystals were carefully investigated by a confocal microscopy setup. The possible upconversion emission mechanism and conversion efficiency of cross relaxation between Ho{sup 3+} and Ce{sup 3+} ions were discussed in detail. The current study suggests that strong red emission of NaLuF{sub 4}: Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+}/Ce{sup 3+} nanomaterials can be used for color display and anticounterfeiting techniques.

  5. High resolution 2D image upconversion of incoherent light

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Pedersen, Christian; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2011-01-01

    infrared (NIR) portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The key is optimization of the upconversion process. This include Quasi-Phase-Matching leading to higher effective nonlinearities and elimination of walk-off, an intra-cavity design enhancing the upconversion process, and finally the use of modern NIR...

  6. Methods of producing luminescent images

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Broadhead, P.; Newman, G.A.

    1977-01-01

    A method is described for producing a luminescent image in a layer of a binding material in which is dispersed a thermoluminescent material. The layer is heated uniformly to a temperature of 80 to 300 0 C and is exposed to luminescence inducing radiation whilst so heated. The preferred exposing radiation is X-rays and preferably the thermoluminescent material is insensitive to electromagnetic radiation of wavelength longer than 300 mm. Information concerning preparation of the luminescent material is given in BP 1,347,672; this material has the advantage that at elevated temperatures it shows increased sensitivity compared with room temperature. At temperatures in the range 80 to 150 0 C the thermoluminescent material exhibits 'afterglow', allowing the image to persist for several seconds after the X-radiation has ceased, thus allowing the image to be retained for visual inspection in this temperature range. At higher temperatures, however, there is negligible 'afterglow'. The thermoluminescent layers so produced are particularly useful as fluoroscopic screens. The preferred method of heating the thermoluminescent material is described in BP 1,354,149. An example is given of the application of the method. (U.K.)

  7. NIR to VIS frequency upconversion luminescence properties of Er{sup 3+}-doped YPO{sub 4} phosphors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Balakrishnaiah, R. [Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Department of Physics, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Dong Woo [Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Yi, Soung Soo, E-mail: ssyi@silla.ac.k [Department of Electronic Materials Engineering, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Sung Hoon [Department of Engineering in Energy and Applied Chemistry, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Kiwan; Lee, Ho Sueb [Department of Physics, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Moon, Byung Kee; Jeong, Jung Hyun [Department of Physics, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737 (Korea, Republic of)

    2010-09-01

    Different concentrations of Er{sup 3+}-doped YPO{sub 4}:Er powder phosphors have been synthesized by the conventional solid state reaction method and are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FESEM), and upconversion emission measurements. An intense red emission band and a weak green emission band are observed under NIR excitation at 975 nm in case of samples with high dopant concentration while no upconversion emission was observed at lower Er{sup 3+} ion concentrations. The possible mechanisms involved in the upconversion process have been discussed in comparison to results with similar reported works.

  8. Multicolor Upconversion Nanoprobes Based on a Dual Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Assay for Simultaneous Detection and Bioimaging of [Ca2+ ]i and pHi in Living Cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Song, Xinyue; Yue, Zihong; Zhang, Jiayu; Jiang, Yanxialei; Wang, Zonghua; Zhang, Shusheng

    2018-04-25

    Intracellular [Ca 2+ ] i and pH i have a close relationship, and their abnormal levels can result in cell dysfunction and accompanying diseases. Thus, simultaneous determination of [Ca 2+ ] i and pH i can more accurately investigate complex biological processes in an integrated platform. Herein, multicolor upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were prepared with the advantages of no spectral overlapping, single NIR excitation wavelengths, and greater tissue penetration depth. The upconversion nanoprobes were easily prepared by the attachment of two fluorescent dyes, Fluo-4 and SNARF-4F. Based on the dual luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) process, the blue and green fluorescence of the UCNPs were specially quenched and selectively recovered after the detachment and/or absorbance change of the attached fluorescent dyes, enabling dual detection. Importantly, the developed nanoprobe could successfully be applied for the detection of [Ca 2+ ] i and pH i change in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid (EGTA) stimulation in living cells. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  9. A luminescence imaging system based on a CCD camera

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Duller, G.A.T.; Bøtter-Jensen, L.; Markey, B.G.

    1997-01-01

    Stimulated luminescence arising from naturally occurring minerals is likely to be spatially heterogeneous. Standard luminescence detection systems are unable to resolve this variability. Several research groups have attempted to use imaging photon detectors, or image intensifiers linked...... to photographic systems, in order to obtain spatially resolved data. However, the former option is extremely expensive and it is difficult to obtain quantitative data from the latter. This paper describes the use of a CCD camera for imaging both thermoluminescence and optically stimulated luminescence. The system...

  10. Luminescence properties of Yb:Nd:Tm:KY{sub 3}F{sub 10} nanophosphor and thermal treatment effects

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gomes, Laércio, E-mail: lgomes@ipen.br [Centro de Lasers e Aplicações, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Butantã, P.O. Box 11049, São Paulo, SP o5422-970 (Brazil); Linhares, Horácio Marconi da Silva M.D. [Centro de Lasers e Aplicações, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Butantã, P.O. Box 11049, São Paulo, SP o5422-970 (Brazil); Ichikawa, Rodrigo Uchida; Martinez, Luis Gallego [Departamento de Ciências dos Materiais, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (Brazil); Ranieri, Izilda Marcia [Centro de Lasers e Aplicações, Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares, IPEN-CNEN/SP, Butantã, P.O. Box 11049, São Paulo, SP o5422-970 (Brazil)

    2015-01-15

    In this work, we present the spectroscopic properties of KY{sub 3}F{sub 10} (KY3F) nanocrystals activated with thulium and codoped with ytterbium and neodymium ions. The most important processes that lead to the thulium upconversion emissions in the blue region were identified. A time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy technique was employed to measure the luminescence decays and to determine the most important mechanisms involved in the upconversion process that populates {sup 1}G{sub 4} (Tm{sup 3+}) excited states. Analysis of the energy-transfer processes dynamics using selective pulsed-laser excitations in Yb:Nd:Tm, Nd:KY3F nanocrystals shows that the direct energy transfer from Nd{sup 3+} to Tm{sup 3+} ions is the mechanism responsible for the 78% of the blue upconversion luminescence in the Yb:Nd:Tm:KY3F when compared with the Yb:Nd:Tm:KY3F bulk crystal for an laser excitation at 802 nm. An investigation of the {sup 1}G{sub 4} level luminescence kinetic of Tm{sup 3+} in Yb/Nd/Tm system revealed that the luminescence efficiency ({sup 1}G{sub 4}) starts with a very low value (0.38%) for the synthesized nanocrystal (as grown) and strongly increases to 97% after thermal treatment at 550 °C for 6 h under argon flow. As a consequence of the thermal treatment at T=550 °C, the contributions of the (Nd×Tm) (Up{sub 1}) and (Nd×Yb×Tm) (Up{sub 2}) upconversion processes to the {sup 1}G{sub 4} luminescence are 33% (Up{sub 1}) and 67% for Up{sub 2}. Up{sub 2} process represented by Nd{sup 3+} ({sup 4}F{sub 3/2})→Yb{sup 3+} ({sup 2}F{sub 7/2}) followed by Yb{sup 3+} ({sup 2}F{sub 5/2})→Tm ({sup 3}H{sub 4})→Tm{sup 3+} ({sup 1}G{sub 4}) was previously reported as the main mechanism to produce the blue luminescence in Yb:Nd:Tm:YLiF{sub 4} and KY{sub 3}F{sub 10} bulk crystals. Results of X-ray diffraction analysis of nanopowder using the Rietveld method reveled that crystallite sizes remain unchanged (12–14 nm) after thermal treatments with T≤400 °C, while the

  11. Synthesis of novel branched β-NaLuF4: Yb/Er upconversion luminescence material and investigation of its optical properties

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ding, Yanli; Yang, Tonghui; Yin, Naiqiang; Shu, Fangjie; Zhao, Ying; Zhang, Xiaodan

    2018-05-01

    Branched β-NaLuF4: Yb/Er was synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method by controlling the NaF/Ln molar ratio. In contrast to the β-NaYF4: Yb/Er hexagonal disks, the branched β-NaLuF4: Yb/Er has stronger emission intensity. The integrated intensities of green and red emission bands were as 6.2 and 3.3 times as that of NaYF4, respectively. The branched β-NaLuF4: Yb/Er has the smaller unit cell volume, the higher absorption intensity around 980 nm and the lower crystal field symmetry than NaYF4, which made a significant contribution to the stronger upconversion (UC) fluorescence emissions. The results indicate that the branched β-NaLuF4: Yb/Er is an excellent UC luminescence material. The current research has a great potential in improving near-infrared conversion efficiency of solar cells.

  12. Luminescence investigation of Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} codoped single LiYF{sub 4} microparticle

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gao, Wei; Zheng, Hairong, E-mail: hrzheng@snnu.edu.cn; He, Enjie; Lu, Ying; Gao, Fangqi

    2014-08-01

    Tetragonal phase LiYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} microparticles are synthesized via facile hydrothermal method. Single LiYF{sub 4} microparticle is excited with IR laser at 980 nm in a confocal setup, and strong green and weak red emissions are observed. It is found that single LiYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} microparticle with sub-structure presents stronger upconversion luminescence emission and smaller intensity ratio of red to green emission than that from LiYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} microparticle with no sub-structure. The possible mechanism, the influence of particle size and the existence of EDTA on the upconversion luminescence emission are investigated. The current study suggests that the luminescence observation with single micropaticle can effectively avoid the influence of environment and neighbor particles, which is important for investigating the luminescence properties of micro- or nano-crystals and for extending their application. - Highlights: • Single LiYF{sub 4} microparticle is excited with IR laser at 980 nm in a confocal setup, and strong green and weak red emissions are observed. • Single LiYF{sub 4} microparticle with different morphology exhibits different fluorescence emission intensity and intensity ratio of red to green emission. • The possible mechanism, the influence of particle size and the existence of EDTA on the upconversion emission are investigated.

  13. In vivo 808 nm image-guided photodynamic therapy based on an upconversion theranostic nanoplatform

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Xiaomin; Que, Ivo; Kong, Xianggui; Zhang, Youlin; Tu, Langping; Chang, Yulei; Wang, Tong Tong; Chan, Alan; Löwik, Clemens W. G. M.; Zhang, Hong

    2015-09-01

    A new strategy for efficient in vivo image-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been demonstrated utilizing a ligand-exchange constructed upconversion-C60 nanophotosensitizer. This theranostic platform is superior to the currently reported nanophotosensitizers in (i) directly bonding photosensitizer C60 to the surface of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) by a smart ligand-exchange strategy, which greatly shortened the energy transfer distance and enhanced the 1O2 production, resulting in the improvement of the therapeutic effect; (ii) realizing in vivo NIR 808 nm image-guided PDT with both excitation (980 nm) and emission (808 nm) light falling in the biological window of tissues, which minimized auto-fluorescence, reduced light scatting and improved the imaging contrast and depth, and thus guaranteed noninvasive diagnostic accuracy. In vivo and ex vivo tests demonstrated its favorable bio-distribution, tumor-selectivity and high therapeutic efficacy. Owing to the effective ligand exchange strategy and the excellent intrinsic photophysical properties of C60, 1O2 production yield was improved, suggesting that a low 980 nm irradiation dosage (351 J cm-2) and a short treatment time (15 min) were sufficient to perform NIR (980 nm) to NIR (808 nm) image-guided PDT. Our work enriches the understanding of UCNP-based PDT nanophotosensitizers and highlights their potential use in future NIR image-guided noninvasive deep cancer therapy.A new strategy for efficient in vivo image-guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been demonstrated utilizing a ligand-exchange constructed upconversion-C60 nanophotosensitizer. This theranostic platform is superior to the currently reported nanophotosensitizers in (i) directly bonding photosensitizer C60 to the surface of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) by a smart ligand-exchange strategy, which greatly shortened the energy transfer distance and enhanced the 1O2 production, resulting in the improvement of the therapeutic effect; (ii

  14. Luminescence imaging of water during proton-beam irradiation for range estimation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi, E-mail: s-yama@met.nagoya-u.ac.jp; Okumura, Satoshi; Komori, Masataka [Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 461-8673 (Japan); Toshito, Toshiyuki [Department of Proton Therapy Physics, Nagoya Proton Therapy Center, Nagoya City West Medical Center, Nagoya 462-8508 (Japan)

    2015-11-15

    Purpose: Proton therapy has the ability to selectively deliver a dose to the target tumor, so the dose distribution should be accurately measured by a precise and efficient method. The authors found that luminescence was emitted from water during proton irradiation and conjectured that this phenomenon could be used for estimating the dose distribution. Methods: To achieve more accurate dose distribution, the authors set water phantoms on a table with a spot scanning proton therapy system and measured the luminescence images of these phantoms with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge coupled device camera during proton-beam irradiation. The authors imaged the phantoms of pure water, fluorescein solution, and an acrylic block. Results: The luminescence images of water phantoms taken during proton-beam irradiation showed clear Bragg peaks, and the measured proton ranges from the images were almost the same as those obtained with an ionization chamber. Furthermore, the image of the pure-water phantom showed almost the same distribution as the tap-water phantom, indicating that the luminescence image was not related to impurities in the water. The luminescence image of the fluorescein solution had ∼3 times higher intensity than water, with the same proton range as that of water. The luminescence image of the acrylic phantom had a 14.5% shorter proton range than that of water; the proton range in the acrylic phantom generally matched the calculated value. The luminescence images of the tap-water phantom during proton irradiation could be obtained in less than 2 s. Conclusions: Luminescence imaging during proton-beam irradiation is promising as an effective method for range estimation in proton therapy.

  15. Luminescence imaging of water during proton-beam irradiation for range estimation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi; Okumura, Satoshi; Komori, Masataka; Toshito, Toshiyuki

    2015-01-01

    Purpose: Proton therapy has the ability to selectively deliver a dose to the target tumor, so the dose distribution should be accurately measured by a precise and efficient method. The authors found that luminescence was emitted from water during proton irradiation and conjectured that this phenomenon could be used for estimating the dose distribution. Methods: To achieve more accurate dose distribution, the authors set water phantoms on a table with a spot scanning proton therapy system and measured the luminescence images of these phantoms with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge coupled device camera during proton-beam irradiation. The authors imaged the phantoms of pure water, fluorescein solution, and an acrylic block. Results: The luminescence images of water phantoms taken during proton-beam irradiation showed clear Bragg peaks, and the measured proton ranges from the images were almost the same as those obtained with an ionization chamber. Furthermore, the image of the pure-water phantom showed almost the same distribution as the tap-water phantom, indicating that the luminescence image was not related to impurities in the water. The luminescence image of the fluorescein solution had ∼3 times higher intensity than water, with the same proton range as that of water. The luminescence image of the acrylic phantom had a 14.5% shorter proton range than that of water; the proton range in the acrylic phantom generally matched the calculated value. The luminescence images of the tap-water phantom during proton irradiation could be obtained in less than 2 s. Conclusions: Luminescence imaging during proton-beam irradiation is promising as an effective method for range estimation in proton therapy

  16. Highly Efficient LiYF4:Yb(3+), Er(3+) Upconversion Single Crystal under Solar Cell Spectrum Excitation and Photovoltaic Application.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Xu; Xu, Wen; Song, Hongwei; Chen, Cong; Xia, Haiping; Zhu, Yongsheng; Zhou, Donglei; Cui, Shaobo; Dai, Qilin; Zhang, Jiazhong

    2016-04-13

    Luminescent upconversion is a promising way to harvest near-infrared (NIR) sunlight and transforms it into visible light that can be directly absorbed by active materials of solar cells and improve their power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, it is still a great challenge to effectively improve the PCE of solar cells with the assistance of upconversion. In this work, we demonstrate the application of the transparent LiYF4:Yb(3+), Er(3+) single crystal as an independent luminescent upconverter to improve the PCE of perovskite solar cells. The LiYF4:Yb(3+), Er(3+) single crystal is prepared by an improved Bridgman method, and its internal quantum efficiency approached to 5.72% under 6.2 W cm(-2) 980 nm excitation. The power-dependent upconversion luminescence indicated that under the excitation of simulated sunlight the (4)F(9/2)-(4)I(15/2) red emission originally results from the cooperation of a 1540 nm photon and a 980 nm photon. Furthermore, when the single crystal is placed in front of the perovskite solar cells, the PCE is enhanced by 7.9% under the irradiation of simulated sunlight by 7-8 solar constants. This work implies the upconverter not only can serve as proof of principle for improving PCE of solar cells but also is helpful to practical application.

  17. Luminescence imaging of water during carbon-ion irradiation for range estimation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi, E-mail: s-yama@met.nagoya-u.ac.jp; Komori, Masataka; Koyama, Shuji; Morishita, Yuki; Sekihara, Eri [Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Higashi-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 461-8673 (Japan); Akagi, Takashi; Yamashita, Tomohiro [Hygo Ion Beam Medical Center, Hyogo 679-5165 (Japan); Toshito, Toshiyuki [Department of Proton Therapy Physics, Nagoya Proton Therapy Center, Nagoya City West Medical Center, Aichi 462-8508 (Japan)

    2016-05-15

    Purpose: The authors previously reported successful luminescence imaging of water during proton irradiation and its application to range estimation. However, since the feasibility of this approach for carbon-ion irradiation remained unclear, the authors conducted luminescence imaging during carbon-ion irradiation and estimated the ranges. Methods: The authors placed a pure-water phantom on the patient couch of a carbon-ion therapy system and measured the luminescence images with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge-coupled device camera during carbon-ion irradiation. The authors also carried out imaging of three types of phantoms (tap-water, an acrylic block, and a plastic scintillator) and compared their intensities and distributions with those of a phantom containing pure-water. Results: The luminescence images of pure-water phantoms during carbon-ion irradiation showed clear Bragg peaks, and the measured carbon-ion ranges from the images were almost the same as those obtained by simulation. The image of the tap-water phantom showed almost the same distribution as that of the pure-water phantom. The acrylic block phantom’s luminescence image produced seven times higher luminescence and had a 13% shorter range than that of the water phantoms; the range with the acrylic phantom generally matched the calculated value. The plastic scintillator showed ∼15 000 times higher light than that of water. Conclusions: Luminescence imaging during carbon-ion irradiation of water is not only possible but also a promising method for range estimation in carbon-ion therapy.

  18. Luminescence imaging of water during carbon-ion irradiation for range estimation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi; Komori, Masataka; Koyama, Shuji; Morishita, Yuki; Sekihara, Eri; Akagi, Takashi; Yamashita, Tomohiro; Toshito, Toshiyuki

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: The authors previously reported successful luminescence imaging of water during proton irradiation and its application to range estimation. However, since the feasibility of this approach for carbon-ion irradiation remained unclear, the authors conducted luminescence imaging during carbon-ion irradiation and estimated the ranges. Methods: The authors placed a pure-water phantom on the patient couch of a carbon-ion therapy system and measured the luminescence images with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge-coupled device camera during carbon-ion irradiation. The authors also carried out imaging of three types of phantoms (tap-water, an acrylic block, and a plastic scintillator) and compared their intensities and distributions with those of a phantom containing pure-water. Results: The luminescence images of pure-water phantoms during carbon-ion irradiation showed clear Bragg peaks, and the measured carbon-ion ranges from the images were almost the same as those obtained by simulation. The image of the tap-water phantom showed almost the same distribution as that of the pure-water phantom. The acrylic block phantom’s luminescence image produced seven times higher luminescence and had a 13% shorter range than that of the water phantoms; the range with the acrylic phantom generally matched the calculated value. The plastic scintillator showed ∼15 000 times higher light than that of water. Conclusions: Luminescence imaging during carbon-ion irradiation of water is not only possible but also a promising method for range estimation in carbon-ion therapy.

  19. Photon up-conversion production in Tb{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} co-doped CaF{sub 2} phosphors prepared by combustion synthesis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rakov, Nikifor, E-mail: nikifor.gomez@univasf.edu.br [PG—Ciência dos Materiais, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, 48902-300 Juazeiro, BA (Brazil); Guimarães, Renato B. [Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24210-346 Niterói, RJ (Brazil); Maciel, Glauco S., E-mail: glauco@if.uff.br [Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal Fluminense, 24210-346 Niterói, RJ (Brazil)

    2016-02-15

    Graphical abstract: Up-conversion luminescence from Tb{sup 3+} obtained by energy transfer from Yb{sup 3+} pairs in CaF{sub 2} powder prepared by combustion synthesis. - Highlights: • Calcium fluoride (CaF{sub 2}) powders were prepared by combustion synthesis. • Rare-earth ions doped in this material were found in interstitial sites. • Cooperative up-conversion was observed in Tb{sup 3+}:Yb{sup 3+}:CaF{sub 2} powder. • Energy transfer between Tb{sup 3+} and pairs of Yb{sup 3+} was analyzed using rate equations. - Abstract: Calcium fluoride (CaF{sub 2}) crystalline powders were successfully prepared by the combustion synthesis method. The powder material containing luminescent rare-earth ions, more specifically terbium (Tb{sup 3+}) and ytterbium (Yb{sup 3+}), was studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy and optical spectroscopy. These ions are allocated in charge compensated interstitial positions of tetragonal (C{sub 4v}) and trigonal (C{sub 3v}) symmetry sites of the cubic (O{sub h}) CaF{sub 2} lattice. Up-conversion (UC) luminescence in Tb{sup 3+} was achieved using a low power diode laser operating at 975 nm. Tb{sup 3+} is insensitive to near-infrared radiation but UC can be achieved via energy transfer from pairs of Yb{sup 3+} ions to Tb{sup 3+} ions. The UC luminescence dynamics of Tb{sup 3+} was used to study the energy transfer mechanism.

  20. Tuning crystal field symmetry of hexagonal NaY0.92Yb0.05Er0.03F4 by Ti4+ codoping for high-performance upconversion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yu, Han; Huang, Qingming; Ma, En; Zhang, Xinqi; Yu, Jianchang

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Upconversion emission of Er 3+ was obviously enhanced by Ti 4+ codoped in NaYF 4 . • The upconversion luminescence lifetime was also obviously prolonged. • Na + could be induced to occupy Y 3+ sites if Ti 4+ was codoped with appropriate concentration. • The crystal field asymmetry was enhanced for better upconversion performance. • Crystal growth was prevented and small-sized NaYF 4 were obtained. - Abstract: 378 nm, 408 nm and 521 nm upconversion emissions of Er 3+ ions were obviously enhanced by Ti 4+ codoped with Yb 3+ /Er 3+ in hexagonal NaYF 4 , and the corresponding upconversion luminescence lifetimes were also prolonged, especially for 378 nm and 408 nm emissions. X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and upconversion emission spectra were employed to explore the relationships of the structure and properties. From these characterizations we made a novel discovery that Na + could be induced to occupy Y 3+ sites for establishing valence balance of the system if Ti 4+ ions were codoped with appropriate concentration. As a result the crystal field asymmetry of NaY 0.92 Yb 0.05 Er 0.03 F 4 was enhanced and then its upconversion properties were improved because the hypersensitive electron transition of Yb 3+ /Er 3+ ions was promoted greatly. At the same time, the crystal sizes of the codoped NaYF 4 became smaller because the crystal growth was prevented by more negative charges gathering at the crystal surface. This study provides an exploration of the relationship among impurity doping, structural changes and upconversion performance, which may be useful for design and synthesis of high-performance upconversion codoping materials

  1. Ultrasensitive Detection of Ebola Virus Oligonucleotide Based on Upconversion Nanoprobe/Nanoporous Membrane System.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tsang, Ming-Kiu; Ye, WeiWei; Wang, Guojing; Li, Jingming; Yang, Mo; Hao, Jianhua

    2016-01-26

    Ebola outbreaks are currently of great concern, and therefore, development of effective diagnosis methods is urgently needed. The key for lethal virus detection is high sensitivity, since early-stage detection of virus may increase the probability of survival. Here, we propose a luminescence scheme of assay consisting of BaGdF5:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) conjugated with oligonucleotide probe and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) linked with target Ebola virus oligonucleotide. As a proof of concept, a homogeneous assay was fabricated and tested, yielding a detection limit at picomolar level. The luminescence resonance energy transfer is ascribed to the spectral overlapping of upconversion luminescence and the absorption characteristics of AuNPs. Moreover, we anchored the UCNPs and AuNPs on a nanoporous alumina (NAAO) membrane to form a heterogeneous assay. Importantly, the detection limit was greatly improved, exhibiting a remarkable value at the femtomolar level. The enhancement is attributed to the increased light-matter interaction throughout the nanopore walls of the NAAO membrane. The specificity test suggested that the nanoprobes were specific to Ebola virus oligonucleotides. The strategy combining UCNPs, AuNPs, and NAAO membrane provides new insight into low-cost, rapid, and ultrasensitive detection of different diseases. Furthermore, we explored the feasibility of clinical application by using inactivated Ebola virus samples. The detection results showed great potential of our heterogeneous design for practical application.

  2. Highly Efficient IR to NIR Upconversion in Gd2O2S: Er3+ for Photovoltaic Applications

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Martin Rodriguez, R.; Fischer, S.; Ivaturi, A.; Froehlich, B.; Krämer, K.W.; Goldschmidt, J.C.; Richards, B.S.; Meijerink, A.

    2013-01-01

    Upconversion (UC) is a promising option to enhance the efficiency of solar cells by conversion of sub-bandgap infrared photons to higher energy photons that can be utilized by the solar cell. The UC quantum yield is a key parameter for a successful application. Here the UC luminescence properties of

  3. Novel mid-infrared imaging system based on single-mode quantum cascade laser illumination and upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tomko, Jan; Junaid, Saher; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2017-01-01

    Compared to the visible or near-infrared (NIR) spectral regions, there is a lack of very high sensitivity detectors in the mid-infrared (MIR) that operate near room temperature. Upconversion of the MIR light to NIR light that is imaged using affordable, fast, and sensitive NIR detectors or camera...

  4. Synthesis and characterization of new bifunctional nanocomposites possessing upconversion and oxygen-sensing properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Lina; Li Bin; Qin Ruifei; Zhao Haifeng; Ren Xinguang; Su Zhongmin

    2010-01-01

    A new type of bifunctional nanocomposites for biomedical applications, upconversion NaY F 4 :Y b 3+ , Tm 3+ nanoparticles coated with Ru(II) complex chemically doped SiO 2 , has been developed by combining the useful functions of upconversion and oxygen-sensing properties into one nanoparticle. NaY F 4 :Y b 3+ , Tm 3+ nanoparticles were successfully coated with an Ru(II) complex doped SiO 2 shell with a thickness of ∼ 30 nm, and the surface of the SiO 2 was functionalized with amines. The obtained nanocomposites exhibited bright blue upconversion emission, and the luminescent emission intensity of the Ru(II) complex in the nanocomposites was sensitive to oxygen. Compared with the simple mixture of Ru(II) complex and SiO 2 , the core-shell nanocomposites showed better linearity between emission intensity of Ru(II) complex and oxygen concentrations. These bifunctional nanocomposites may find applications in biochemical and biomedical fields, such as biolabels and optical oxygen sensors, which can measure the oxygen concentrations in biological fluids.

  5. Chemical sensing and imaging based on photon upconverting nano- and microcrystals: a review

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Christ, Simon; Schäferling, Michael

    2015-01-01

    The demand for photostable luminescent reporters that absorb and emit light in the red to near-infrared (NIR) spectral region continues in biomedical research and bioanalysis. In recent years, classical organic fluorophores have increasingly been displaced by luminescent nanoparticles. These consist of either polymer or silica based beads that are loaded with luminescent dyes, conjugated polymers, or inorganic nanomaterials such as semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots), colloidal clusters of silver and gold, or carbon dots. Among the inorganic materials, photon upconversion nanocrystals exhibit a high potential for application to bioimaging or biomolecular assays. They offer an exceptionally high photostability, can be excited in the NIR, and their anti-Stokes emission enables luminescence detection free of background and perturbing scatter effects even in complex biological samples. These lanthanide doped inorganic crystals have multiple emission lines that can be tuned by the selection of the dopants.This review article is focused on the applications of functionalized photon upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) to chemical sensing. This is a comparatively new field of research activity and mainly directed at the sensing and imaging of ubiquitous chemical analytes in biological samples, particularly in living cells. For this purpose, the particles have to be functionalized with suitable indicator dyes or recognition elements, as they do not show an intrinsic or specific luminescence response to most of these analytes (e.g. pH, oxygen, metal ions). We describe the strategies for the design of such responsive nanocomposites utilizing either luminescence resonance energy transfer or emission–reabsorption (inner filter effect) mechanisms and also highlight examples for their use either immobilized in sensor layers or directly as nanoprobes for intracellular sensing and imaging. (review)

  6. Tuning crystal field symmetry of hexagonal NaY{sub 0.92}Yb{sub 0.05}Er{sub 0.03}F{sub 4} by Ti{sup 4+} codoping for high-performance upconversion

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yu, Han, E-mail: fjfzyh@fzu.edu.cn [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108 (China); Huang, Qingming [Instrumentation Analysis and Research Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002 (China); Ma, En [Fujian Institue of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002 (China); Zhang, Xinqi [Instrumentation Analysis and Research Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350002 (China); Yu, Jianchang [College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108 (China)

    2014-11-15

    Highlights: • Upconversion emission of Er{sup 3+} was obviously enhanced by Ti{sup 4+} codoped in NaYF{sub 4}. • The upconversion luminescence lifetime was also obviously prolonged. • Na{sup +} could be induced to occupy Y{sup 3+} sites if Ti{sup 4+} was codoped with appropriate concentration. • The crystal field asymmetry was enhanced for better upconversion performance. • Crystal growth was prevented and small-sized NaYF{sub 4} were obtained. - Abstract: 378 nm, 408 nm and 521 nm upconversion emissions of Er{sup 3+} ions were obviously enhanced by Ti{sup 4+} codoped with Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} in hexagonal NaYF{sub 4}, and the corresponding upconversion luminescence lifetimes were also prolonged, especially for 378 nm and 408 nm emissions. X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and upconversion emission spectra were employed to explore the relationships of the structure and properties. From these characterizations we made a novel discovery that Na{sup +} could be induced to occupy Y{sup 3+} sites for establishing valence balance of the system if Ti{sup 4+} ions were codoped with appropriate concentration. As a result the crystal field asymmetry of NaY{sub 0.92}Yb{sub 0.05}Er{sub 0.03}F{sub 4} was enhanced and then its upconversion properties were improved because the hypersensitive electron transition of Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} ions was promoted greatly. At the same time, the crystal sizes of the codoped NaYF{sub 4} became smaller because the crystal growth was prevented by more negative charges gathering at the crystal surface. This study provides an exploration of the relationship among impurity doping, structural changes and upconversion performance, which may be useful for design and synthesis of high-performance upconversion codoping materials.

  7. Enhanced electrical properties, color-tunable up-conversion luminescence, and temperature sensing behaviour in Er-doped Bi3Ti1.5W0.5O9 multifunctional ferroelectric ceramics

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Ying; Li, Jun; Chai, Xiaona; Wang, Xusheng; Li, Yongxiang; Yao, Xi

    2017-03-01

    Er-doped Bi3Ti1.5W0.5O9 (BTW-x) ferroelectric ceramics were prepared by a conventional solid-state reaction synthesis method, and their structure, electrical properties, up-conversion (UC) luminescence, and temperature sensing behaviour were investigated. A high piezoelectric coefficient d33 (9.6 pC/N), a large remnant polarization Pr (12.75 μC/cm2), a high Curie temperature Tc (730.2 °C), and the optimal luminescent intensity are obtained for the samples at x = 0.05. By changing the Er doped concentration, the BTW-x ceramics are capable of generating various UC spectra and the color could be tunable from green to yellow. According to the fluorescence intensity ratio of green emissions at 532.6 nm and 549.2 nm in the temperature range from 83 K to 423 K, optical temperature sensing properties are investigated and the maximum sensing sensitivity is found to be 0.00314 K-1 at 423 K. The results conclude that BTW-x would be a candidate in high temperature sensor, fluorescence thermometry, and opto-electronic integration applications.

  8. The concentration effect of upconversion luminescence properties in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped Y2(MoO4)3 phosphors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lu Weili; Cheng Lihong; Sun Jiashi; Zhong Haiyang; Li Xiangping; Tian Yue; Wan Jing; Zheng Yanfeng; Huang Libo; Yu Tingting; Yu Hongquan; Chen Baojiu

    2010-01-01

    Y 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 :Er 3+ /Yb 3+ phosphors with fixed (varied) Er 3+ and varied (fixed) Yb 3+ concentrations were synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction. The crystal structure of the phosphors was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD). Upon 980 nm excitation, very weak blue emission, and strong green and red upconversion emissions centered at 485, 525, 545 and 656 nm were observed. The two-photon process was confirmed to be responsible for both the green and red upconversion emissions. The effects of green upconversion emission intensity ratio ( 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 versus 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 ) and the integrated upconversion emission intensity on the Yb 3+ and Er 3+ concentrations were studied.

  9. Anti-Stokes Luminescence in High Quality Quantum Wells

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vinattieri, A.; Bogani, F.; Miotto, A.; Ceccherini, S.

    1997-11-01

    We present a detailed investigation of the anti-Stokes (AS) luminescence which originates from exciton recombination when below gap excitation is used, in a set of high quality quantum well structures. We observe strong excitonic resonances in the AS signal as measured from photoluminescence and photoluminescence excitation spectra. We demonstrate that neither the electromagnetic coupling between the wells nor the morphological disorder can explain this up-conversion effect. Time-resolved luminescence data after ps excitation and fs correlation spectroscopy results provide clear evidence of the occurrence of a two-step absorption which is assisted by the exciton population resonantly excited by the first photon.

  10. Cerenkov Luminescence Tomography for In Vivo Radiopharmaceutical Imaging

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jianghong Zhong

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI is a cost-effective molecular imaging tool for biomedical applications of radiotracers. The introduction of Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT relative to planar CLI can be compared to the development of X-ray CT based on radiography. With CLT, quantitative and localized analysis of a radiopharmaceutical distribution becomes feasible. In this contribution, a feasibility study of in vivo radiopharmaceutical imaging in heterogeneous medium is presented. Coupled with a multimodal in vivo imaging system, this CLT reconstruction method allows precise anatomical registration of the positron probe in heterogeneous tissues and facilitates the more widespread application of radiotracers. Source distribution inside the small animal is obtained from CLT reconstruction. The experimental results demonstrated that CLT can be employed as an available in vivo tomographic imaging of charged particle emitters in a heterogeneous medium.

  11. Energy transfer and infrared-to-visible upconversion luminescence of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped halide modified tellurite glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang, Q.Y.; Feng, Z.M.; Yang, Z.M.; Jiang, Z.H.

    2006-01-01

    We report on the energy transfer and frequency upconversion spectroscopic properties of Er 3+ -doped and Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped TeO 2 -ZnO-Na 2 O-PbCl 2 halide modified tellurite glasses upon excitation with 808 and 978 nm laser diode. Three intense emissions centered at around 529, 546 and 657 nm, alongwith a very weak blue emission at 410 nm have clearly been observed for the Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped halide modified tellurite glasses upon excitation at 978 nm and the involved mechanisms are explained. The quadratic dependence of fluorescence on excitation laser power confirms the fact that the two-photon contribute to the infrared to green-red upconversion emissions. And the blue upconversion at 410 nm involved a sequential three-photon absorption process

  12. Structural and light up-conversion luminescence properties of Er{sup 3+}-Yb{sup 3+}-W{sup 6+} substituted Bi{sub 4}Ti{sub 3}O{sub 12}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bokolia, Renuka, E-mail: renuka1274@gmail.com; Chauhan, Lalita; Sreenivas, K. [Department of Physics & Astrophysics, University of Delhi, Delhi-110007 (India); Rai, Vineet K. [Laser & Spectroscopy Laboratory, Department of Applied Physics, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 826 004, Jharkhand (India)

    2016-05-23

    The structural and light up-conversion (UC) luminescence properties of W{sup 6+} substituted Bi{sub 3.79}Er{sub 0.03}Yb{sub 0.18}Ti{sub 3-x}W{sub x}O{sub 12} (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) ceramics prepared by solid state reaction method have been investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirms the formation of single phase material with orthorhombic structure. A decrease in the lattice parameters and unit cell volume is observed with increasing W content. Strong UC luminescence at 527, 548 and 662 nm is seen under an excitation of 980 nm for an optimum W content (x = 0.06) and is attributed to the transitions {sup 2}H{sub 11/2} →{sup 4}I{sub 15/2}, {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} →{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} →{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} respectively. The improved UC luminescence is ascribed to the reduced defects such as oxygen vacancies and change in the crystal field around Er{sup 3+} ions due to B-site (Ti{sup 4+}) substitution with W{sup 6+} ions. Enhanced UC emission is observed for an optimum content of w{sup 6+} in the prepared composition Bi{sub 3.79}Er{sub 0.03}Yb{sub 0.18}Ti{sub 3-x}W{sub x}O{sub 12} for x = 0.06.

  13. Upconversion imager measures single mid-IR photons

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Pedersen, Christian

    2013-01-01

    the performance of today's state of the art IR detectors for the visible/near-IR region shows a striking contrast, as the latter can have dark currents in the range of 0.001 electrons per second. Demonstrated performance of waveguide upconversion techniques still show considerable dark noise, even when working...

  14. Synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties of YF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers derived from Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Li Dan; Dong Xiangting, E-mail: dongxiangting888@163.com; Yu Wensheng; Wang Jinxian; Liu Guixia [Changchun University of Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Nanotechnology at Universities of Jilin Province (China)

    2013-06-15

    YF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers were successfully fabricated via fluorination of the relevant Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers which were obtained by calcining the electrospun PVP/[Y(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} + Yb(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} + Er(NO{sub 3}){sub 3}] composite nanofibers. The morphology and properties of the products were investigated in detail by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and fluorescence spectrometer. YF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers were pure orthorhombic phase with space group Pnma and were hollow-centered structure with mean diameter of 174 {+-} 22 nm, and YF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers are composed of nanoparticles with size in the range of 30-60 nm. Upconversion emission spectrum analysis manifested that YF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers emitted strong green and weak red upconversion emissions centering at 523, 545, and 654 nm, respectively. The green and red emissions were, respectively, originated from {sup 2}H{sub 11/2}/{sup 4}S{sub 3/2} {yields} {sup 4}I{sub 15/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} {yields} {sup 4}I{sub l5/2} energy levels transitions of the Er{sup 3+} ions. Moreover, the emitting colors of YF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers were located in the green region in CIE chromaticity coordinates diagram. This preparation technique could be applied to prepare other rare earth fluoride upconversion luminescence hollow nanofibers.Graphical AbstractYF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers with orthorhombic structure were synthesized by fluorination of the electrospun Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers via a double-crucible method using NH{sub 4}HF{sub 2} as fluorinating agent. The mean diameter of YF{sub 3}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} hollow nanofibers was 174 {+-} 22 nm. The fluorination method we proposed here has been proved to be an important method, as it can not only

  15. Endoscopic Cerenkov luminescence imaging: in vivo small animal tumor model validation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Song, Tianming; Bao, Chengpeng; Hu, Zhenhua; Wang, Kun; Liu, Xia; Tian, Jie

    2015-03-01

    Background: Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) provides a great potential for clinical translation of optical molecular imaging techniques through using clinical approved radiotracers. However, it is difficult to obtain the Cerenkov luminescence signal of deeper biological tissues due to the small magnitude of the signal. To efficiently acquire the weak Cerenkov luminescence, we developed an endoscopic Cerenkov luminescence imaging (ECLI) system to reduce the in vivo imaging depth with minimum invasion, and validated the system on small animal tumor models. Methods: For the ECLI system, the laparoscope was connected to a high sensitive charge-couple device (CCD) camera (DU888+, Andor, UK) by a custom made adapter. We conducted a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments by use of the system. In the in vitro experiment, the endoscopic luminescence images of the 18F-FDG with various activities in EP tubes were acquired using ECLI system, and the sensitivity was compared with conventional CLI system. In the in vivo tumor experiment, 18F-FDG with the activity of 200μCi were intravenously injected into 3 tumor mice. Then the ECLI system was used to acquire the optical images for both non-invasive and invasive conditions. Conclusion: Experimental data showed the ECLI system could detect the 18F-FDG with the activity as low as 1μCi. Furthermore, our preliminary results indicated the possibility of ECLI technique for detecting Cerenkov signals inside the tumor tissue with deeper depth and guiding the surgical operation of tumor excision. We believe that this technique can help to accelerate the clinical translation of CLI.

  16. Luminescence imaging of water during irradiation of X-ray photons lower energy than Cerenkov- light threshold

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi; Koyama, Shuji; Komori, Masataka [Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine (Japan); Toshito, Toshiyuki [Department of Proton Therapy Physics, Nagoya Proton Therapy Center, Nagoya City West Medical Center (Japan)

    2016-10-01

    Luminescence imaging of water using X-ray photon irradiation at energy lower than maximum energy of ~200 keV is thought to be impossible because the secondary electrons produced in this energy range do not emit Cerenkov- light. Contrary to this consensus assumption, we show that the luminescence imaging of water can be achieved by X-ray irradiation at energy lower than 120 keV. We placed water phantoms on a table with a conventional X-ray imaging system, and luminescence images of these phantoms were measured with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera during X-ray photon irradiation at energy below 120 keV. We also carried out such imaging of an acrylic block and plastic scintillator. The luminescence images of water phantoms taken during X-ray photon irradiation clearly showed X-ray photon distribution. The intensity of the X-ray photon images of the phantom increased almost proportionally to the number of X-ray irradiations. Lower-energy X-ray photon irradiation showed lower-intensity luminescence at the deeper parts of the phantom due to the higher X-ray absorption in the water phantom. Furthermore, lower-intensity luminescence also appeared at the deeper parts of the acrylic phantom due to its higher density than water. The intensity of the luminescence for water was 0.005% of that for plastic scintillator. Luminescence imaging of water during X-ray photon irradiation at energy lower than 120 keV was possible. This luminescence imaging method is promising for dose estimation in X-ray imaging systems.

  17. Luminescence imaging of water during irradiation of X-ray photons lower energy than Cerenkov- light threshold

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yamamoto, Seiichi; Koyama, Shuji; Komori, Masataka; Toshito, Toshiyuki

    2016-10-01

    Luminescence imaging of water using X-ray photon irradiation at energy lower than maximum energy of 200 keV is thought to be impossible because the secondary electrons produced in this energy range do not emit Cerenkov- light. Contrary to this consensus assumption, we show that the luminescence imaging of water can be achieved by X-ray irradiation at energy lower than 120 keV. We placed water phantoms on a table with a conventional X-ray imaging system, and luminescence images of these phantoms were measured with a high-sensitivity, cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera during X-ray photon irradiation at energy below 120 keV. We also carried out such imaging of an acrylic block and plastic scintillator. The luminescence images of water phantoms taken during X-ray photon irradiation clearly showed X-ray photon distribution. The intensity of the X-ray photon images of the phantom increased almost proportionally to the number of X-ray irradiations. Lower-energy X-ray photon irradiation showed lower-intensity luminescence at the deeper parts of the phantom due to the higher X-ray absorption in the water phantom. Furthermore, lower-intensity luminescence also appeared at the deeper parts of the acrylic phantom due to its higher density than water. The intensity of the luminescence for water was 0.005% of that for plastic scintillator. Luminescence imaging of water during X-ray photon irradiation at energy lower than 120 keV was possible. This luminescence imaging method is promising for dose estimation in X-ray imaging systems.

  18. Diffraction-limited real-time terahertz imaging by optical frequency up-conversion in a DAST crystal.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fan, Shuzhen; Qi, Feng; Notake, Takashi; Nawata, Kouji; Takida, Yuma; Matsukawa, Takeshi; Minamide, Hiroaki

    2015-03-23

    Real-time terahertz (THz) wave imaging has wide applications in areas such as security, industry, biology, medicine, pharmacy, and the arts. This report describes real-time room-temperature THz imaging by nonlinear optical frequency up-conversion in an organic 4-dimethylamino-N'-methyl-4'-stilbazolium tosylate (DAST) crystal, with high resolution reaching the diffraction limit. THz-wave images were converted to the near infrared region and then captured using an InGaAs camera in a tandem imaging system. The resolution of the imaging system was analyzed. Diffraction and interference of THz wave were observed in the experiments. Videos are supplied to show the interference pattern variation that occurs with sample moving and tilting.

  19. Measuring upconversion nanoparticles photoluminescence lifetime with FastFLIM and phasor plots

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Yuansheng; Lee, Hsien-Ming; Qiu, Hailin; Liao, Shih-Chu Jeff; Coskun, Ulas; Barbieri, Beniamino

    2018-02-01

    Photon upconversion is a nonlinear process in which the sequential of absorption of two or more photons leads to the anti-stoke emission. Different than the conventional multiphoton excitation process, upconversion can be efficiently performed at low excitation densities. Recent developments in lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have led to a diversity of applications, including detecting and sensing of biomolecules, imaging of live cells, tissues and animals, cancer diagnostic and therapy, etc. Measuring the upconversion lifetime provides a new dimension of its imaging and opens a new window for its applications. Due to the long metastable intermediate excited state, UCNP typically has a long excited state lifetime ranging from sub-microseconds to milliseconds. Here, we present a novel development using the FastFLIM technique to measure UCNP lifetime by laser scanning confocal microscopy. FastFLIM is capable of measuring lifetime from 100 ps to 100 ms and features the high data collection efficiency (up to 140-million counts per second). Other than the traditional nonlinear least-square fitting analysis, the raw data acquired by FastFLIM can be directly processed by the model-free phasor plots approach for instant and unbiased lifetime results, providing the ideal routine for the UCNP photoluminescence lifetime microscopy imaging.

  20. Laser-diode-excited blue upconversion in Tm3+/Yb3+ -codoped TeO2-Ga2O3-R2O (R=Li, Na, K) glasses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhao, Chun; Zhang, Qinyuan; Yang, Gangfeng; Jiang, Zhonghong

    2008-01-01

    This paper reports on intense blue upconversion in Tm(3+)/Yb(3+) codoped TeO(2)-Ga(2)O(3)-R(2)O(R=Li, Na, K) glasses upon excitation with commercial available laser diode (LD). Effects of alkali ions on the Raman spectra, thermal stability and spectroscopic properties of the tellurite-gallium glasses have also been investigated. Energy transfer and the involved upconversion mechanisms have been discussed. Intense blue upconversion emission centered at 476 nm along with a weak red emission at 650 nm has been observed upon excitation of 977 nm LD, assigned to the transitions of 1G4-->3H6, and 1G4-->3H4 and/or 3F(2,3)-->3H6 of Tm(3+), respectively. The blue upconversion intensity has a cubelike dependence on incident pump laser power, indicating a three-photon process. However, a quadratic dependence of the 476 nm upconversion intensity on the incident pump laser power has been observed when samples under excitation of 808 nm LD due to a two-photon absorption process. Enhanced upconversion luminescence have been observed with replacing K(+) for Na(+) and Li(+).

  1. Y2O3:Yb/Er nanotubes: Layer-by-layer assembly on carbon-nanotube templates and their upconversion luminescence properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Huang, Weishi; Shen, Jianfeng; Wan, Lei; Chang, Yu; Ye, Mingxin

    2012-01-01

    Graphical abstract: Well-shaped Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes have been successfully synthesized on a large scale via layer-by-layer assembly on carbon nanotubes templates followed by a subsequent heat treatment process. The as-prepared Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes show a strong red emission corresponding to the 4 F 9/2 – 4 I 15/2 transition of the Er 3+ ions under excitation at 980 nm. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Well-shaped Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes have been successfully synthesized. ► CNTs were used as templates for Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes. ► LBL assembly and calcination were used for preparation of Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes. ► The as-prepared Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes show a strong red emission. -- Abstract: Well-shaped Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes have been successfully synthesized on a large scale via layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) templates followed by a subsequent heat treatment process. The crystal structure, element analysis, morphology and upconversion luminescence properties were characterized. XRD results demonstrate that the diffraction peaks of the samples calcinated at 800 °C or above can be indexed to the pure cubic phase of Y 2 O 3 . SEM images indicate that a large quantity of uniform and rough nanotubes with diameters of about 30–60 nm can be observed. The as-prepared Y 2 O 3 :Yb/Er nanotubes show a strong red emission corresponding to the 4 F 9/2 – 4 I 15/2 transition of the Er 3+ ions under excitation at 980 nm, which have potential applications in such fields as nanoscale devices, molecular catalysts, nanobiotechnology, photonics and optoelectronics.

  2. Novel dental dynamic depth profilometric imaging using simultaneous frequency-domain infrared photothermal radiometry and laser luminescence

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nicolaides, Lena; Mandelis, Andreas

    2000-01-01

    A high-spatial-resolution dynamic experimental imaging setup, which can provide simultaneous measurements of laser- induced frequency-domain infrared photothermal radiometric and luminescence signals from defects in teeth, has been developed for the first time. The major findings of this work are: (1) radiometric images are complementary to (anticorrelated with) luminescence images, as a result of the nature of the two physical signal generation processes; (2) the radiometric amplitude exhibits much superior dynamic (signal resolution) range to luminescence in distinguishing between intact and cracked sub-surface structures in the enamel; (3) the radiometric signal (amplitude and phase) produces dental images with much better defect localization, delineation, and resolution; (4) radiometric images (amplitude and phase) at a fixed modulation frequency are depth profilometric, whereas luminescence images are not; and (5) luminescence frequency responses from enamel and hydroxyapatite exhibit two relaxation lifetimes, the longer of which (approximately ms) is common to all and is not sensitive to the defect state and overall quality of the enamel. Simultaneous radiometric and luminescence frequency scans for the purpose of depth profiling were performed and a quantitative theoretical two-lifetime rate model of dental luminescence was advanced.

  3. Fabrication and evaluation of chitosan/NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles composite beads based on the gelling of Pickering emulsion droplets

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yan, Huiqiong; Chen, Xiuqiong; Shi, Jia; Shi, Zaifeng; Sun, Wei; Lin, Qiang; Wang, Xianghui; Dai, Zihao

    2017-01-01

    The rare earth ion doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) synthesized by hydrophobic organic ligands possess poor solubility and low fluorescence quantum yield in aqueous media. To conquer this issue, NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs, synthesized by a hydrothermal method, were coated with F127 and then assembled with chitosan to fabricate the chitosan/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ composite beads (CS/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ CBs) by Pickering emulsion system. The characterization results revealed that the as-synthesized NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs with an average size of 20 nm exhibited spherical morphology, high crystallinity and characteristic emission upconversion fluorescence with an overall blue color output. The NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs were successfully conjugated on the surface of chitosan beads by the gelling of emulsion droplets. The resultant CS/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ CBs showed good upconversion luminescent property, drug-loading capacity, release performance and excellent biocompatibility, exhibiting great potentials in targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering with potential tracking capability and lasting release performance. - Highlights: • NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs were coated by F127 to improve aqueous dispersibility. • NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs were assembled with chitosan to fabricate the composite beads (CMs). • Pickering emulsions stabilized by UCNPs exhibited uniform and satisfactory emulsion droplets. • The CMs prepared by the gelling of emulsion droplet preserved upconversion luminescent property. • The resultant CMs showed good drug-loading capacity, release performance and biocompatibility.

  4. Up-conversion luminescence and local heating in Er{sup 3+} doped tellurite glass

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dwivedi, Y.; Rai, S.B. [Banaras Hindu University, Laser and Spectroscopy Laboratory, Physics Department, Varanasi, UP (India)

    2012-10-15

    The present article discusses the up-conversion and thermometric properties of Er doped tellurite glass on excitation with 976 nm laser radiation. Temperature has been measured using fluorescence intensity ratio variation, in 528/548 and 801/828 nm, with temperature. Temperature at laser focus spot has been estimated by comparing the intensity ratios at different laser powers with the intensity ratio at different temperatures when sample was heated externally. (orig.)

  5. Non-collinear upconversion of infrared light

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Pedersen, Christian; Hu, Qi; Høgstedt, Lasse

    2014-01-01

    Two dimensional mid-infrared upconversion imaging provides unique spectral and spatial information showing good potential for mid- infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging. However, to extract spectral or spatial information from the upconverted images an elaborate model is needed, which...... includes non-collinear interaction. We derive here a general theory providing the far field of the upconverted light when two arbitrary fields interact inside a non linear crystal. Theoretical predictions are experimentally verified for incoherent radiation and subsequently applied to previously published...

  6. Facile and high spatial resolution ratio-metric luminescence thermal mapping in microfluidics by near infrared excited upconversion nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, Yu; Li, Shunbo; Wen, Weijia, E-mail: phwen@ust.hk [Department of Physics, KAUST-HKUST Joint Micro/Nanofluidic Laboratory, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon (Hong Kong); Cao, Wenbin [Nano Science and Technology Program, Department of Physics, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon (Hong Kong)

    2016-02-01

    A local area temperature monitor is important for precise control of chemical and biological processes in microfluidics. In this work, we developed a facile method to realize micron spatial resolution of temperature mapping in a microfluidic channel quickly and cost effectively. Based on the temperature dependent fluorescence emission of NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+} upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) under near-infrared irradiation, ratio-metric imaging of UCNPs doped polydimethylsiloxane can map detailed temperature distribution in the channel. Unlike some reported strategies that utilize temperature sensitive organic dye (such as Rhodamine) to achieve thermal sensing, our method is highly chemically inert and physically stable without any performance degradation in long term operation. Moreover, this method can be easily scaled up or down, since the spatial and temperature resolution is determined by an optical imaging system. Our method supplied a simple and efficient solution for temperature mapping on a heterogeneous surface where usage of an infrared thermal camera was limited.

  7. Facile and high spatial resolution ratio-metric luminescence thermal mapping in microfluidics by near infrared excited upconversion nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang, Yu; Li, Shunbo; Wen, Weijia; Cao, Wenbin

    2016-01-01

    A local area temperature monitor is important for precise control of chemical and biological processes in microfluidics. In this work, we developed a facile method to realize micron spatial resolution of temperature mapping in a microfluidic channel quickly and cost effectively. Based on the temperature dependent fluorescence emission of NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ , Er 3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) under near-infrared irradiation, ratio-metric imaging of UCNPs doped polydimethylsiloxane can map detailed temperature distribution in the channel. Unlike some reported strategies that utilize temperature sensitive organic dye (such as Rhodamine) to achieve thermal sensing, our method is highly chemically inert and physically stable without any performance degradation in long term operation. Moreover, this method can be easily scaled up or down, since the spatial and temperature resolution is determined by an optical imaging system. Our method supplied a simple and efficient solution for temperature mapping on a heterogeneous surface where usage of an infrared thermal camera was limited

  8. Construction of a system for up-conversion detection in vitroceramics doped with rare earths

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Santa Cruz, P.A.; Azevedo, W.M. de; Sa, G.F. de

    1983-01-01

    A system capable of detecting up-conversion processes by energy transference or cooperative luminescence was developed. Pulverized vitroceramic samples containing PbF 2 and GeO 2 , doped with Yb 2 O 3 as sensitizer and Tm 2 O 3 or Er 2 O 3 as activator, were used. A diagram of the detection system, as well as graphs showing the variation of the emission intensity of these doped vitroceramics as a function of excitation intensity (970 mn), are presented. (C.L.B.) [pt

  9. A smart upconversion-based light-triggered polymer for synergetic chemo-photodynamic therapy and dual-modal MR/UCL imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Du, Bin; Han, Shuping; Zhao, Feifei; Lim, Kok Hwa; Xi, Hongwei; Su, Xiangjie; Yao, Hanchun; Zhou, Jie

    2016-10-01

    We have developed a novel nanocomposite to achieve effective therapy and live surveillance of tumor tissue. In this study, fullerene (C 60 ) with iron oxide (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles and upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) was loaded into N-succinyl-N'-4-(2-nitrobenzyloxy)-succinyl-chitosan micelles (SNSC) with good biocompatibility. In addition, hydrophobic anticancer drug docetaxel (DTX) was also loaded into the nanocomposites. The experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo demonstrated that C 60 /Fe 3 O 4 -UCNPs@DTX@SNSC can act synergistically to kill tumor cells by releasing chemotherapy drugs at specific target site as well as generating reactive oxygen using 980nm. In addition, it can also be used for non-invasive deep magnetic resonance and upconversion fluorescence dual-mode imaging. The results indicated that this system provided an efficient method to surmount the drawback of UV or visible light-responsive polymeric systems for controlled drug release and generated reactive oxygen in deep tissues and ultimately realized the integration of dual-modal imaging and treatment. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Room-temperature mid-infrared single-photon imaging using upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Pedersen, Christian

    2014-01-01

    The mid-wave infrared (MWIR) region is a fast developing research area due to many possible applications. Indeed a lot of research has been put into the development of novel light sources in the MWIR. This has led to very powerful sources such as quantum cascade lasers (QCL) and optical parametric...... detectors, when compared to silicon based detectors available for the visible and near visible spectral range. In fact, camera sensitivities down to the single photon level have been developed for sub-μm wavelengths. This discrepancy in sensitivity makes it attractive to perform wavelength upconversion...... upconversion efficiencies of 20 % for polarized collinear MWIR light. To make the module truly portable the laser cavity is assembled in a closed mechanical unit which ensures that visible light cannot enter from the outside, and provides a very stable mount for the optical components. Figure 1 depicts...

  11. Near-Infrared to Visible Organic Upconversion Devices Based on Organic Light-Emitting Field Effect Transistors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Dongwei; Hu, Yongsheng; Zhang, Nan; Lv, Ying; Lin, Jie; Guo, Xiaoyang; Fan, Yi; Luo, Jinsong; Liu, Xingyuan

    2017-10-18

    The near-infrared (NIR) to visible upconversion devices have attracted great attention because of their potential applications in the fields of night vision, medical imaging, and military security. Herein, a novel all-organic upconversion device architecture has been first proposed and developed by incorporating a NIR absorption layer between the carrier transport layer and the emission layer in heterostructured organic light-emitting field effect transistors (OLEFETs). The as-prepared devices show a typical photon-to-photon upconversion efficiency as high as 7% (maximum of 28.7% under low incident NIR power intensity) and millisecond-scale response time, which are the highest upconversion efficiency and one of the fastest response time among organic upconversion devices as referred to the previous reports up to now. The high upconversion performance mainly originates from the gain mechanism of field-effect transistor structures and the unique advantage of OLEFETs to balance between the photodetection and light emission. Meanwhile, the strategy of OLEFETs also offers the advantage of high integration so that no extra OLED is needed in the organic upconversion devices. The results would pave way for low-cost, flexible and portable organic upconversion devices with high efficiency and simplified processing.

  12. Synergistically Enhanced Performance of Ultrathin Nanostructured Silicon Solar Cells Embedded in Plasmonically Assisted, Multispectral Luminescent Waveguides

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Lee, Sung-Min; Dhar, Purnim; Chen, Huandong; Montenegro, Angelo; Liaw, Lauren; Kang, Dongseok; Gai, Boju; Benderskii, Alexander V.; Yoon, Jongseung

    2017-04-12

    Ultrathin silicon solar cells fabricated by anisotropic wet chemical etching of single-crystalline wafer materials represent an attractive materials platform that could provide many advantages for realizing high-performance, low-cost photovoltaics. However, their intrinsically limited photovoltaic performance arising from insufficient absorption of low-energy photons demands careful design of light management to maximize the efficiency and preserve the cost-effectiveness of solar cells. Herein we present an integrated flexible solar module of ultrathin, nanostructured silicon solar cells capable of simultaneously exploiting spectral upconversion and downshifting in conjunction with multispectral luminescent waveguides and a nanostructured plasmonic reflector to compensate for their weak optical absorption and enhance their performance. The 8 μm-thick silicon solar cells incorporating a hexagonally periodic nanostructured surface relief are surface-embedded in layered multispectral luminescent media containing organic dyes and NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals as downshifting and upconverting luminophores, respectively, via printing-enabled deterministic materials assembly. The ultrathin nanostructured silicon microcells in the composite luminescent waveguide exhibit strongly augmented photocurrent (~40.1 mA/cm2) and energy conversion efficiency (~12.8%) than devices with only a single type of luminescent species, owing to the synergistic contributions from optical downshifting, plasmonically enhanced upconversion, and waveguided photon flux for optical concentration, where the short-circuit current density increased by ~13.6 mA/cm2 compared with microcells in a nonluminescent medium on a plain silver reflector under a confined illumination.

  13. CMOS Imaging of Pin-Printed Xerogel-Based Luminescent Sensor Microarrays.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yao, Lei; Yung, Ka Yi; Khan, Rifat; Chodavarapu, Vamsy P; Bright, Frank V

    2010-12-01

    We present the design and implementation of a luminescence-based miniaturized multisensor system using pin-printed xerogel materials which act as host media for chemical recognition elements. We developed a CMOS imager integrated circuit (IC) to image the luminescence response of the xerogel-based sensor array. The imager IC uses a 26 × 20 (520 elements) array of active pixel sensors and each active pixel includes a high-gain phototransistor to convert the detected optical signals into electrical currents. The imager includes a correlated double sampling circuit and pixel address/digital control circuit; the image data is read-out as coded serial signal. The sensor system uses a light-emitting diode (LED) to excite the target analyte responsive luminophores doped within discrete xerogel-based sensor elements. As a prototype, we developed a 4 × 4 (16 elements) array of oxygen (O 2 ) sensors. Each group of 4 sensor elements in the array (arranged in a row) is designed to provide a different and specific sensitivity to the target gaseous O 2 concentration. This property of multiple sensitivities is achieved by using a strategic mix of two oxygen sensitive luminophores ([Ru(dpp) 3 ] 2+ and ([Ru(bpy) 3 ] 2+ ) in each pin-printed xerogel sensor element. The CMOS imager consumes an average power of 8 mW operating at 1 kHz sampling frequency driven at 5 V. The developed prototype system demonstrates a low cost and miniaturized luminescence multisensor system.

  14. Cone Beam X-Ray Luminescence Tomography Imaging Based on KA-FEM Method for Small Animals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Dongmei; Meng, Fanzhen; Zhao, Fengjun; Xu, Cao

    2016-01-01

    Cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography can realize fast X-ray luminescence tomography imaging with relatively low scanning time compared with narrow beam X-ray luminescence tomography. However, cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography suffers from an ill-posed reconstruction problem. First, the feasibility of experiments with different penetration and multispectra in small animal has been tested using nanophosphor material. Then, the hybrid reconstruction algorithm with KA-FEM method has been applied in cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography for small animals to overcome the ill-posed reconstruction problem, whose advantage and property have been demonstrated in fluorescence tomography imaging. The in vivo mouse experiment proved the feasibility of the proposed method.

  15. Multiple Temperature-Sensing Behavior of Green and Red Upconversion Emissions from Stark Sublevels of Er3+

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Baosheng Cao

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Upconversion luminescence properties from the emissions of Stark sublevels of Er3+ were investigated in Er3+-Yb3+-Mo6+-codoped TiO2 phosphors in this study. According to the energy levels split from Er3+, green and red emissions from the transitions of four coupled energy levels, 2H11/2(I/2H11/2(II, 4S3/2(I/4S3/2(II, 4F9/2(I/4F9/2(II, and 2H11/2(I + 2H11/2(II/4S3/2(I + 4S3/2(II, were observed under 976 nm laser diode excitation. By utilizing the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR technique, temperature-dependent upconversion emissions from these four coupled energy levels were analyzed at length. The optical temperature-sensing behaviors of sensing sensitivity, measurement error, and operating temperature for the four coupled energy levels are discussed, all of which are closely related to the energy gap of the coupled energy levels, FIR value, and luminescence intensity. Experimental results suggest that Er3+-Yb3+-Mo6+-codoped TiO2 phosphor with four pairs of energy levels coupled by Stark sublevels provides a new and effective route to realize multiple optical temperature-sensing through a wide range of temperatures in an independent system.

  16. Wide-field time-resolved luminescence imaging and spectroscopy to decipher obliterated documents in forensic science

    Science.gov (United States)

    Suzuki, Mototsugu; Akiba, Norimitsu; Kurosawa, Kenji; Kuroki, Kenro; Akao, Yoshinori; Higashikawa, Yoshiyasu

    2016-01-01

    We applied a wide-field time-resolved luminescence (TRL) method with a pulsed laser and a gated intensified charge coupled device (ICCD) for deciphering obliterated documents for use in forensic science. The TRL method can nondestructively measure the dynamics of luminescence, including fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetimes, which prove to be useful parameters for image detection. First, we measured the TRL spectra of four brands of black porous-tip pen inks on paper to estimate their luminescence lifetimes. Next, we acquired the TRL images of 12 obliterated documents at various delay times and gate times of the ICCD. The obliterated contents were revealed in the TRL images because of the difference in the luminescence lifetimes of the inks. This method requires no pretreatment, is nondestructive, and has the advantage of wide-field imaging, which makes it is easy to control the gate timing. This demonstration proves that TRL imaging and spectroscopy are powerful tools for forensic document examination.

  17. Strategies for the design of bright upconversion nanoparticles for bioanalytical applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wiesholler, Lisa M.; Hirsch, Thomas

    2018-06-01

    In recent years upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) received great attention because of their outstanding optical properties. Especially in bioanalytical applications this class of materials can overcome limitations of common probes like high background fluorescence or blinking. Nevertheless, the requirements for UCNPs to be applicable in biological samples, e.g. small size, water-dispersibility, excitation at low power density are in contradiction with the demand of high brightness. Therefore, a lot of attention is payed to the enhancement of the upconversion luminescence. This review discuss the recent trends and strategies to boost the brightness of UCNPs, classified in three main directions: a) improving the efficiency of energy absorption by the sensitizer via coupling to plasmonic or photonic structures or via attachment of ligands for light harvesting; b) minimizing non-radiative deactivation by variations in the architecture of UCNPs; and c) changing the excitation wavelength to get bright particles at low excitation power density for applications in aqueous systems. These strategies are critically reviewed including current limitations as well as future perspectives for the design of efficient UCNPs especially for sensing application in biological samples or cells.

  18. Optical transitions of Ho(3+) in oxyfluoride glasses and upconversion luminescence of Ho(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped oxyfluoride glasses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Feng, Li; Wu, Yinsu

    2015-05-05

    Optical properties of Ho(3+)-doped SiO2-BaF2-ZnF2 glasses have been investigated on the basis of the Judd-Ofelt theory. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters, radiative transition probabilities, fluorescence branching ratios and radiative lifetimes have been calculated for different glass compositions. Upconversion emissions were observed in Ho(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped SiO2-BaF2-ZnF2 glasses under 980nm excitation. The effects of composition, concentration of the doping ions, and excitation pump power on the upconversion emissions were also systematically studied. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  19. MO-FG-CAMPUS-JeP1-03: Luminescence Imaging of Water During Proton Beam Irradiation for Range Estimation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yamamoto, S; Komori, M; Toshito, T; Watabe, H

    2016-01-01

    Purpose: Since proton therapy has the ability to selectively deliver a dose to a target tumor, the dose distribution should be accurately measured. A precise and efficient method to evaluate the dose distribution is desired. We found that luminescence was emitted from water during proton irradiation and thought this phenomenon could be used for estimating the dose distribution. Methods: For this purpose, we placed water phantoms set on a table with a spot-scanning proton-therapy system, and luminescence images of these phantoms were measured with a high-sensitivity cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera during proton-beam irradiation. We also conducted the imaging of phantoms of pure-water, fluorescein solution and acrylic block. We made three dimensional images from the projection data. Results: The luminescence images of water phantoms during the proton-beam irradiations showed clear Bragg peaks, and the measured proton ranges from the images were almost the same as those obtained with an ionization chamber. The image of the pure-water phantom also showed almost the same distribution as the tap-water phantom, indicating that the luminescence image was not related to impurities in the water. The luminescence image of fluorescein solution had ∼3 times higher intensity than water, with the same proton range as that of water. The luminescence image of the acrylic phantom had 14.5% shorter proton range than that of water; the proton range in the acrylic phantom was relatively matched with the calculated value. The luminescence images of the tap-water phantom during proton irradiation could be obtained in less than 2 sec. Three dimensional images were successfully obtained which have more quantitative information. Conclusion: Luminescence imaging during proton-beam irradiation has the potential to be a new method for range estimations in proton therapy.

  20. MO-FG-CAMPUS-JeP1-03: Luminescence Imaging of Water During Proton Beam Irradiation for Range Estimation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yamamoto, S; Komori, M [Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi (Japan); Toshito, T [Nagoya Proton Therapy Center, Nagoya, Aichi (Japan); Watabe, H [Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi (Japan)

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: Since proton therapy has the ability to selectively deliver a dose to a target tumor, the dose distribution should be accurately measured. A precise and efficient method to evaluate the dose distribution is desired. We found that luminescence was emitted from water during proton irradiation and thought this phenomenon could be used for estimating the dose distribution. Methods: For this purpose, we placed water phantoms set on a table with a spot-scanning proton-therapy system, and luminescence images of these phantoms were measured with a high-sensitivity cooled charge coupled device (CCD) camera during proton-beam irradiation. We also conducted the imaging of phantoms of pure-water, fluorescein solution and acrylic block. We made three dimensional images from the projection data. Results: The luminescence images of water phantoms during the proton-beam irradiations showed clear Bragg peaks, and the measured proton ranges from the images were almost the same as those obtained with an ionization chamber. The image of the pure-water phantom also showed almost the same distribution as the tap-water phantom, indicating that the luminescence image was not related to impurities in the water. The luminescence image of fluorescein solution had ∼3 times higher intensity than water, with the same proton range as that of water. The luminescence image of the acrylic phantom had 14.5% shorter proton range than that of water; the proton range in the acrylic phantom was relatively matched with the calculated value. The luminescence images of the tap-water phantom during proton irradiation could be obtained in less than 2 sec. Three dimensional images were successfully obtained which have more quantitative information. Conclusion: Luminescence imaging during proton-beam irradiation has the potential to be a new method for range estimations in proton therapy.

  1. A Paper-Based Sandwich Format Hybridization Assay for Unlabeled Nucleic Acid Detection Using Upconversion Nanoparticles as Energy Donors in Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhou, Feng; Noor, M Omair; Krull, Ulrich J

    2015-09-24

    Bioassays based on cellulose paper substrates are gaining increasing popularity for the development of field portable and low-cost diagnostic applications. Herein, we report a paper-based nucleic acid hybridization assay using immobilized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as donors in luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET). UCNPs with intense green emission served as donors with Cy3 dye as the acceptor. The avidin functionalized UCNPs were immobilized on cellulose paper and subsequently bioconjugated to biotinylated oligonucleotide probes. Introduction of unlabeled oligonucleotide targets resulted in a formation of probe-target duplexes. A subsequent hybridization of Cy3 labeled reporter with the remaining single stranded portion of target brought the Cy3 dye in close proximity to the UCNPs to trigger a LRET-sensitized emission from the acceptor dye. The hybridization assays provided a limit of detection (LOD) of 146.0 fmol and exhibited selectivity for one base pair mismatch discrimination. The assay was functional even in undiluted serum samples. This work embodies important progress in developing DNA hybridization assays on paper. Detection of unlabeled targets is achieved using UCNPs as LRET donors, with minimization of background signal from paper substrates owing to the implementation of low energy near-infrared (NIR) excitation.

  2. Towards Efficient Spectral Converters through Materials Design for Luminescent Solar Devices.

    Science.gov (United States)

    McKenna, Barry; Evans, Rachel C

    2017-07-01

    Single-junction photovoltaic devices exhibit a bottleneck in their efficiency due to incomplete or inefficient harvesting of photons in the low- or high-energy regions of the solar spectrum. Spectral converters can be used to convert solar photons into energies that are more effectively captured by the photovoltaic device through a photoluminescence process. Here, recent advances in the fields of luminescent solar concentration, luminescent downshifting, and upconversion are discussed. The focus is specifically on the role that materials science has to play in overcoming barriers in the optical performance in all spectral converters and on their successful integration with both established (e.g., c-Si, GaAs) and emerging (perovskite, organic, dye-sensitized) cell types. Current challenges and emerging research directions, which need to be addressed for the development of next-generation luminescent solar devices, are also discussed. © 2017 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  3. New Sr{sub 1−x−z}R{sub x}(NH{sub 4}){sub z}F{sub 2+x−z} (R = Yb, Er) solid solution as precursor for high efficiency up-conversion luminophor and optical ceramics on the base of strontium fluoride

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rozhnova, Yu. A. [N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow (Russian Federation); A.M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute, RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation); Kuznetsov, S.V. [A.M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute, RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation); Luginina, A.A. [All-Russian Institute for Scientific and Technical Information (VINITI), Moscow (Russian Federation); Voronov, V.V.; Ryabova, A.V.; Pominova, D.V.; Ermakov, R.P. [A.M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute, RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation); Usachev, V.A.; Kononenko, N.E. [N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow (Russian Federation); Baranchikov, A.E.; Ivanov, V.K. [N.S. Kurnakov Institute of General and Inorganic Chemistry, RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation); Fedorov, P.P., E-mail: ppfedorov@yandex.ru [A.M. Prokhorov General Physics Institute, RAS, Moscow (Russian Federation)

    2016-04-01

    In this paper, we describe the use of self-fluorinating conditions for the thermal treatment of Sr{sub 1−x−y−z}Yb{sub x}Er{sub y}(NH{sub 4}){sub z}F{sub 2+x+y−z} precursor for the preparation of high-efficiency SrF{sub 2}:Yb:Er up-converter powders. We report actual SrF{sub 2}:Yb:Er compositions with up-conversion efficiencies exceeding 4% (pumping power 1 W/cm{sup 2} at 974 nm wavelength) and describe the synthesis of ceramics with higher than 80% transmittance at 0.42–7.0 μm. The latter ceramics can be used as a potential IR radiation visualizer. For the first time, we present an analysis of correlation between up-conversion luminescence energy yield and specimen composition for SrF{sub 2}:Yb:Er nanopowders. Taking into account the observed erbium ion up-conversion luminescence in the red part of the visible spectrum, we recommend certain SrF{sub 2}:Yb:Er compositions for practical application in photodynamic cancer therapy. - Highlights: • SrF{sub 2}:Yb/Er luminophor nanopowders were precipitated from aqueous solutions. • Precipitation of Sr{sub 1−x−y−z}Yb{sub x}Er{sub y}(NH{sub 4}){sub z}F{sub 2+x+y−z} solid solution has been proved. • Up-conversion luminescence energy yield luminophors of more than 4% were obtained. • Optical ceramics with 80% transmittance in 0.42–7.0 μm range was synthesized.

  4. A sprayable luminescent pH sensor and its use for wound imaging in vivo.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schreml, Stephan; Meier, Robert J; Weiß, Katharina T; Cattani, Julia; Flittner, Dagmar; Gehmert, Sebastian; Wolfbeis, Otto S; Landthaler, Michael; Babilas, Philipp

    2012-12-01

    Non-invasive luminescence imaging is of great interest for studying biological parameters in wound healing, tumors and other biomedical fields. Recently, we developed the first method for 2D luminescence imaging of pH in vivo on humans, and a novel method for one-stop-shop visualization of oxygen and pH using the RGB read-out of digital cameras. Both methods make use of semitransparent sensor foils. Here, we describe a sprayable ratiometric luminescent pH sensor, which combines properties of both these methods. Additionally, a major advantage is that the sensor spray is applicable to very uneven tissue surfaces due to its consistency. A digital RGB image of the spray on tissue is taken. The signal of the pH indicator (fluorescein isothiocyanate) is stored in the green channel (G), while that of the reference dye [ruthenium(II)-tris-(4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline)] is stored in the red channel (R). Images are processed by rationing luminescence intensities (G/R) to result in pseudocolor pH maps of tissues, e.g. wounds. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

  5. Persistent luminescence of Eu, Mn, Dy doped calcium phosphates for in-vivo optical imaging

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rosticher, Céline [UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 7574, Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris Cedex 05 (France); Viana, Bruno, E-mail: bruno.viana@chimie-paristech.fr [PSL Research University, Chimie ParisTech-CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 11 rue Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris (France); Maldiney, Thomas; Richard, Cyrille [Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé, CNRS, UMR 8258, Paris Cedex F-75270 (France); Inserm U1022, Paris Cedex F-75270 (France); Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris Cedex F-75270 (France); Chanéac, Corinne, E-mail: corinne.chaneac@upmc.fr [UPMC Univ Paris 06, CNRS, UMR 7574, Chimie de la Matière Condensée de Paris, Collège de France, 11 place Marcelin Berthelot, 75231 Paris Cedex 05 (France)

    2016-02-15

    Biocompatible nanoparticles possessing persistent luminescence properties offer attractive possibilities for in vivo imaging applications as it allows an excitation of the sensors outside the animal before injection and a long-lasting emission of light. Here we report the development of highly biocompatible calcium phosphate nanoparticles doped with europium, Mn{sup 2+} and Ln{sup 3+} (Ln{sup 3+}=Dy{sup 3+}, Pr{sup 3+}) ions synthesized by hydrothermal route and tailored to present red-near infrared persistent luminescence after UV excitation. Nanosize biphasic HAp/β-TCP compounds with sphere and rod-shaped were obtained. Two emission bands in the red-near infrared range were observed and attributed to {sup 4}T{sub 1}→{sup 6}A{sub 1} transitions of Mn{sup 2+} ions in HAp/β-TCP. An annealing treatment in reductive atmosphere post-synthesis was essential to reveal persistent luminescence properties. Indeed, such thermal treatment allows reducing Eu{sup 3+} ions in Eu{sup 2+} ions and generating required defaults as oxygen vacancies in the crystal necessary for red emission in accordance with persistent luminescence mechanism. These nanoparticles have been tested for the first time for in vivo imaging on small animal as proof of concept of prospective highly biocompatible nanoprobes. - Highlights: • Biocompatible HAp/b-TCP nanoparticles with persistent luminescence are investigated. • Reducing step induced persistent luminescence. • Nanoparticles have been tested for the first time for in vivo imaging. • Persistent luminescence is observed after 10 min in vivo.

  6. Use of a highly sensitive two-dimensional luminescence imaging system to monitor endogenous bioluminescence in plant leaves

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Flor-Henry Michel

    2004-11-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background All living organisms emit spontaneous low-level bioluminescence, which can be increased in response to stress. Methods for imaging this ultra-weak luminescence have previously been limited by the sensitivity of the detection systems used. Results We developed a novel configuration of a cooled charge-coupled device (CCD for 2-dimensional imaging of light emission from biological material. In this study, we imaged photon emission from plant leaves. The equipment allowed short integration times for image acquisition, providing high resolution spatial and temporal information on bioluminescence. We were able to carry out time course imaging of both delayed chlorophyll fluorescence from whole leaves, and of low level wound-induced luminescence that we showed to be localised to sites of tissue damage. We found that wound-induced luminescence was chlorophyll-dependent and was enhanced at higher temperatures. Conclusions The data gathered on plant bioluminescence illustrate that the equipment described here represents an improvement in 2-dimensional luminescence imaging technology. Using this system, we identify chlorophyll as the origin of wound-induced luminescence from leaves.

  7. Construction of Hierarchical Polymer Brushes on Upconversion Nanoparticles via NIR-Light-Initiated RAFT Polymerization.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xie, Zhongxi; Deng, Xiaoran; Liu, Bei; Huang, Shanshan; Ma, Pingan; Hou, Zhiyao; Cheng, Ziyong; Lin, Jun; Luan, Shifang

    2017-09-13

    Photoinduced reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization generally adopts high-energy ultraviolet (UV) or blue light. In combination with photoredox catalyst, the excitation light wavelength was extended to the visible and even near-infrared (NIR) region for photoinduced electron transfer RAFT polymerization. In this report, we introduce for the first time a surface NIR-light-initiated RAFT polymerization on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) without adding any photocatalyst and construct a functional inorganic core/polymer shell nanohybrid for application in cancer theranostics. The multilayer core-shell UCNPs (NaYF 4 :Yb/Tm@NaYbF 4 :Gd@NaNdF 4 :Yb@NaYF 4 ), with surface anchorings of chain transfer agents, can serve as efficient NIR-to-UV light transducers for initiating the RAFT polymerization. A hierarchical double block copolymer brush, consisting of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(oligo(ethylene oxide)methacrylate-co-2-(2-methoxy-ethoxy)ethyl methacrylate) (PEG for short), was grafted from the surface in sequence. The targeting arginine-glycine-aspartic (RGD) peptide was modified at the end of the copolymer through the trithiolcarbonate end group. After loading of doxorubicin, the UCNPs@PAA-b-PEG-RGD exhibited an enhanced U87MG cancer cell uptake efficiency and cytotoxicity. Besides, the unique upconversion luminescence of the nanohybrids was used for the autofluoresence-free cell imaging and labeling. Therefore, our strategy verified that UCNPs could efficiently activate RAFT polymerization by NIR photoirradiation and construct the complex nanohybrids, exhibiting prospective biomedical applications due to the low phototoxicity and deep penetration of NIR light.

  8. Optical imaging as an expansion of nuclear medicine: Cerenkov-based luminescence vs fluorescence-based luminescence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chin, Patrick T.K.; Welling, Mick M.; Leeuwen, Fijs W.B. van; Meskers, Stefan C.J.; Valdes Olmos, Renato A.; Tanke, Hans

    2013-01-01

    Integration of optical imaging technologies can further strengthen the field of radioguided surgery. Rather than using two separate chemical entities to achieve this extension, hybrid imaging agents can be used that contain both radionuclear and optical properties. Two types of such hybrid imaging agents are available: (1) hybrid imaging agents generated by Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) of β-emitters and (2) hybrid imaging agents that contain both a radioactive moiety and a fluorescent dye. One major challenge clinicians are now facing is to determine the potential value of these approaches. With this tutorial review we intend to clarify the differences between the two approaches and highlight the clinical potential of hybrid imaging during image-guided surgery applications. (orig.)

  9. Optical imaging as an expansion of nuclear medicine: Cerenkov-based luminescence vs fluorescence-based luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chin, Patrick T.K.; Welling, Mick M.; Leeuwen, Fijs W.B. van [Leiden University Medical Center, Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden (Netherlands); Meskers, Stefan C.J. [Eindhoven University of Technology, Molecular Materials and Nanosystems, P.O. Box 513, Eindhoven (Netherlands); Valdes Olmos, Renato A. [Leiden University Medical Center, Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden (Netherlands); Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam (Netherlands); Tanke, Hans [Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden (Netherlands)

    2013-08-15

    Integration of optical imaging technologies can further strengthen the field of radioguided surgery. Rather than using two separate chemical entities to achieve this extension, hybrid imaging agents can be used that contain both radionuclear and optical properties. Two types of such hybrid imaging agents are available: (1) hybrid imaging agents generated by Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) of {beta}-emitters and (2) hybrid imaging agents that contain both a radioactive moiety and a fluorescent dye. One major challenge clinicians are now facing is to determine the potential value of these approaches. With this tutorial review we intend to clarify the differences between the two approaches and highlight the clinical potential of hybrid imaging during image-guided surgery applications. (orig.)

  10. Influence of core size on the upconversion luminescence properties of spherical Gd2O3:Yb3+/Er3+@SiO2 particles with core-shell structures

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zheng, Kezhi; Liu, Zhenyu; Liu, Ye; Song, Weiye; Qin, Weiping

    2013-01-01

    Spherical SiO 2 particles with different sizes (30, 80, 120, and 180 nm) have been coated with Gd 2 O 3 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ layers by a heterogeneous precipitation method, leading to the formation of core-shell structural Gd 2 O 3 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ @SiO 2 particles. The samples were characterized by using X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, upconversion (UC) emission spectra, and fluorescent dynamical analysis. The obtained core-shell particles have perfect spherical shape with narrow size distribution. Under the excitation of 980 nm diode laser, the core-shell samples showed size-dependent upconversion luminescence (UCL) properties. The inner SiO 2 cores in core-shell samples were proved to have limited effect on the total UCL intensities of Er 3+ ions. The UCL intensities of core-shell particles were demonstrated much higher than the values obtained in pure Gd 2 O 3 :Yb 3+ /Er 3+ with the same phosphor volume. The dependence of the specific area of a UCL shell on the size of its inner SiO 2 particle was calculated and analyzed for the first time. It was confirmed that the surface effect came from the outer surfaces of emitting shells is dominant in influencing the UCL property in the core-shell samples. Three-photon UC processes for the green emissions were observed in the samples with small sizes of SiO 2 cores. The results of dynamical analysis illustrated that more nonradiative relaxation occurred in the core-shell samples with smaller SiO 2 core sizes

  11. New strategies invonving upconverting nanoparticles for determining moderate temperatures by luminescence thermometry

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Savchuk, Ol.A. [Física i Cristallografia de Materials i Nanomaterials (FiCMA-FiCNA) and EMaS, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), c/Marcellí Domingo s/n E-43007, Tarragona (Spain); Carvajal, J.J., E-mail: joanjosep.carvajal@urv.cat [Física i Cristallografia de Materials i Nanomaterials (FiCMA-FiCNA) and EMaS, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), c/Marcellí Domingo s/n E-43007, Tarragona (Spain); Pujol, M.C.; Massons, J. [Física i Cristallografia de Materials i Nanomaterials (FiCMA-FiCNA) and EMaS, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), c/Marcellí Domingo s/n E-43007, Tarragona (Spain); Haro-González, P. [Fluorescence Imaging Group, Departamento de Física de Materiales, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Francisco Tomás y Valiente 7, E-28049 Madrid (Spain); Martínez, O.; Jiménez, J. [GdS-Optronlab, Departamento Física Materia Condensada, Universidad de Valladolid, Edificio I+D, Paseo de Belén 11, 47011 Valladolid (Spain); Aguiló, M.; Díaz, F. [Física i Cristallografia de Materials i Nanomaterials (FiCMA-FiCNA) and EMaS, Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV), c/Marcellí Domingo s/n E-43007, Tarragona (Spain)

    2016-01-15

    Here we analyze alternative luminescence thermometry techniques to FIR, such as intensity ratio luminescence thermometry between the emission arising from two electronic levels that are not necessarily thermally coupled, but that show different evolutions with temperature, and lifetime luminescence nanothermometry in (Ho,Tm,Yb):KLu(WO{sub 4}){sub 2} and (Er,Yb):NaY{sub 2}F{sub 5}O nanoparticles. (Ho,Tm,Yb):KLu(WO{sub 4}){sub 2} nanoparticles exhibited a maximum relative sensitivity of 0.61% K{sup −1}, similar to that achievable in Er-doped systems, which are the upconverting systems presenting the highest sensitivity. From another side, (Er,Yb):NaY{sub 2}F{sub 5}O nanocrystals show great potentiality as thermal sensors at the nanoscale for moderate temperatures due to the incorporation of additional non-radiative relaxation mechanisms that shorten the emission lifetime generated by the oxygen present in the structure when compared to (Er,Yb):NaYF{sub 4} nanoparticles exhibiting the highest upconversion efficiency. We used those nanoparticles for ex-vivo temperature determination by laser induced heating in chicken breast using lifetime-based thermometry. The results obtained indicate that these techniques might constitute alternatives to FIR with potential applications for the determination of moderate temperatures, with sensitivities comparable to those that can be achieved by FIR or even higher. - Highlights: • Other nanothermometry techniques than FIR proposed with upconversion nanoparticles. • Energy transfer between different lanthanide ions can be used for thermometry. • Lifetime measurements can constitute also a tool for temperature determination.

  12. Hydrothermal synthesis, characterization and up/down-conversion luminescence of barium rare earth fluoride nanocrystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jia, Li-Ping; Zhang, Qiang; Yan, Bing

    2014-01-01

    Graphical abstract: Lanthanide ions doped bare earth rare earth fluoride nanocrystals are synthesized by hydrothermal technology and characterized. The down/up-conversion luminescence of them are discussed. - Highlights: • Mixed hydrothermal system H 2 O–OA (EDA)–O-A(LO-A) is used for synthesis. • Barium rare earth fluoride nanocrystals are synthesized comprehensively. • Luminescence for down-conversion and up-conversion are obtained for these systems. - Abstract: Mixed hydrothermal system H 2 O–OA (EDA)–O-A(LO-A) is developed to synthesize barium rare earth fluorides nanocrystals (OA = oleylamine, EDA = ethylenediamine, O-A = oleic acid and LO-A = linoleic acid). They are presented as BaREF 5 (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, Tm, Lu) and Ba 2 REF 7 (RE = La, Sm, Ho, Er, Yb). The influence of reaction parameters (rare earth species, hydrothermal system and temperature) is checked on the phase and shape evolution of the fluoride nanocrystals. It is found that reaction time and temperature of these nanocrystals using EDA (180 °C, 6 h) is lower than those of them using OA (220 °C, 10 h). The photoluminescence properties of these fluorides activated by some rare earth ions (Nd 3+ , Eu 3+ , Tb 3+ ) are studied, and especially up-conversion luminescence of the four fluoride nanocrystal systems (Ba 2 LaF 7 :Yb, Tm(Er), Ba 2 REF 7 :Yb, Tm(Er) (RE = Gd, Y, Lu)) is observed

  13. Down- and up-conversion luminescent carbon dot fluid: inkjet printing and gel glass fabrication

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Fu; Xie, Zheng; Zhang, Bing; Liu, Yun; Yang, Wendong; Liu, Chun-Yan

    2014-03-01

    Room temperature liquid-like nanoparticles have emerged as an exciting new research and development area, because their properties could be tailored over a broad range by manipulating geometric and chemical characteristics of the inorganic core and organic canopy. However, related applications are rarely reported due to the multi-step synthesis process and potential toxicity of cadmium based nanomaterials. In this study, we prepared inexpensive and eco-friendly carbon dot fluid by the direct thermal decomposition method. The carbon dot fluid can be excited from UV to near infrared light, and can be prepared as highly concentrated luminescent ink or incorporated into sol-gel derived organically modified silicate glass, suggesting that it has great application potential in the field of printable electronics, solid state lighting and so on.Room temperature liquid-like nanoparticles have emerged as an exciting new research and development area, because their properties could be tailored over a broad range by manipulating geometric and chemical characteristics of the inorganic core and organic canopy. However, related applications are rarely reported due to the multi-step synthesis process and potential toxicity of cadmium based nanomaterials. In this study, we prepared inexpensive and eco-friendly carbon dot fluid by the direct thermal decomposition method. The carbon dot fluid can be excited from UV to near infrared light, and can be prepared as highly concentrated luminescent ink or incorporated into sol-gel derived organically modified silicate glass, suggesting that it has great application potential in the field of printable electronics, solid state lighting and so on. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Details of FTIR, XRD and DLS of CDF, optical properties of CDF, TEM images of other obtained products, luminescent spectra of CDF at different temperatures, and the optical photographs of CDF inks and silica glasses with different concentrations

  14. Broadband upconversion imaging around 4 μm using an all-fiber supercontinuum source

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huot, Laurent; Moselund, Peter M.; Leick, Lasse; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Pedersen, Christian

    2017-02-01

    We present a novel mid-infrared imaging system born from the combination of an all-fiber mid-IR supercontinuum source developed at NKT with ultra-sensitive upconversion detection technology from DTU Fotonik. The source delivers 100 mW of average power and its spectrum extends up to 4.5 μm. The infrared signal is passed through a sample and then focused into a bulk AgGaS2 crystal and subsequently mixed with a synchronous mixing signal at 1550 nm extracted from the pump laser of the supercontinuum. Through sum frequency generation, an upconverted signal ranging from 1030 nm to 1155 nm is generated and acquired using an InGaAs camera.

  15. Simultaneous phase and size control of upconversion nanocrystals through lanthanide doping

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Feng

    2010-02-25

    Doping is a widely applied technological process in materials science that involves incorporating atoms or ions of appropriate elements into host lattices to yield hybrid materials with desirable properties and functions. For nanocrystalline materials, doping is of fundamental importance in stabilizing a specific crystallographic phase, modifying electronic properties, modulating magnetism as well as tuning emission properties. Here we describe a material system in which doping influences the growth process to give simultaneous control over the crystallographic phase, size and optical emission properties of the resulting nanocrystals. We show that NaYF 4 nanocrystals can be rationally tuned in size (down to ten nanometres), phase (cubic or hexagonal) and upconversion emission colour (green to blue) through use of trivalent lanthanide dopant ions introduced at precisely defined concentrations. We use first-principles calculations to confirm that the influence of lanthanide doping on crystal phase and size arises from a strong dependence on the size and dipole polarizability of the substitutional dopant ion. Our results suggest that the doping-induced structural and size transition, demonstrated here in NaYF 4 upconversion nanocrystals, could be extended to other lanthanide-doped nanocrystal systems for applications ranging from luminescent biological labels to volumetric three-dimensional displays. © 2010 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.

  16. Enhancement of luminescence properties in Er3+ doped TeO2-Na2O-PbX (X=O and F) ternary glasses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kumar, Kaushal; Rai, S B; Rai, D K

    2007-04-01

    An enhancement of luminescence properties in Er3+ doped ternary glasses is observed on the addition of PbO/PbF2. The infrared to visible upconversion emission bands are observed at 410, 525, 550 and 658 nm, due to the 2H9/2-->4I15/2, 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2, 4F9/2-->4I15/2 transitions respectively, on excitation with 797 nm laser line. A detailed study reveals that the 2H9/2-->4I15/2 transition arises due to three step upconversion process while other transitions arise due to two step absorption. On excitation with 532 nm radiation, ultraviolet and violet upconversion bands centered at 380, 404, 410 and 475 nm wavelengths are observed along with one photon luminescence bands at 525, 550, 658 and 843 nm wavelengths. These bands are found due to the 4G11/2-->4I15/2, 2P3/2-->4I13/2, 2H9/2-->4I15/2, 2P3/2-->4I11/2, 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2, 4F9/2-->4I15/2 and 4S3/2-->4I13/2 transitions, respectively. Though incorporation of PbO and PbF2 both enhances fluorescence intensities however, PbF2 content has an important influence on upconversion luminescence emission. The incorporation of PbF2 enhances the red emission (658 nm) intensity by 1.5 times and the violet emission (410 nm) intensity by 2.0 times. A concentration dependence study of fluorescence reveals the rapid increase in the red (4F9/2-->4I15/2) emission intensity relative to the green (4S3/2-->4I15/2) emission with increase in the Er3+ ion concentration. This behaviour has been explained in terms of an energy transfer by relaxation between excited ions.

  17. Fabrication and evaluation of chitosan/NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} upconversion nanoparticles composite beads based on the gelling of Pickering emulsion droplets

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yan, Huiqiong; Chen, Xiuqiong; Shi, Jia; Shi, Zaifeng; Sun, Wei; Lin, Qiang, E-mail: linqianggroup@163.com; Wang, Xianghui; Dai, Zihao

    2017-02-01

    The rare earth ion doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) synthesized by hydrophobic organic ligands possess poor solubility and low fluorescence quantum yield in aqueous media. To conquer this issue, NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} UCNPs, synthesized by a hydrothermal method, were coated with F127 and then assembled with chitosan to fabricate the chitosan/NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} composite beads (CS/NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} CBs) by Pickering emulsion system. The characterization results revealed that the as-synthesized NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} UCNPs with an average size of 20 nm exhibited spherical morphology, high crystallinity and characteristic emission upconversion fluorescence with an overall blue color output. The NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} UCNPs were successfully conjugated on the surface of chitosan beads by the gelling of emulsion droplets. The resultant CS/NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} CBs showed good upconversion luminescent property, drug-loading capacity, release performance and excellent biocompatibility, exhibiting great potentials in targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering with potential tracking capability and lasting release performance. - Highlights: • NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} UCNPs were coated by F127 to improve aqueous dispersibility. • NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} UCNPs were assembled with chitosan to fabricate the composite beads (CMs). • Pickering emulsions stabilized by UCNPs exhibited uniform and satisfactory emulsion droplets. • The CMs prepared by the gelling of emulsion droplet preserved upconversion luminescent property. • The resultant CMs showed good drug-loading capacity, release performance and biocompatibility.

  18. Quantitative cone beam X-ray luminescence tomography/X-ray computed tomography imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen, Dongmei; Zhu, Shouping; Chen, Xueli; Chao, Tiantian; Cao, Xu; Zhao, Fengjun; Huang, Liyu; Liang, Jimin

    2014-01-01

    X-ray luminescence tomography (XLT) is an imaging technology based on X-ray-excitable materials. The main purpose of this paper is to obtain quantitative luminescence concentration using the structural information of the X-ray computed tomography (XCT) in the hybrid cone beam XLT/XCT system. A multi-wavelength luminescence cone beam XLT method with the structural a priori information is presented to relieve the severe ill-posedness problem in the cone beam XLT. The nanophosphors and phantom experiments were undertaken to access the linear relationship of the system response. Then, an in vivo mouse experiment was conducted. The in vivo experimental results show that the recovered concentration error as low as 6.67% with the location error of 0.85 mm can be achieved. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can accurately recover the nanophosphor inclusion and realize the quantitative imaging

  19. Influence of Er3+/Yb3+ concentration ratio on the down-conversion and up-conversion luminescence and lifetime in GdVO4:Er3+/Yb3+ microcrystals

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Gavrilović T.V.

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available In this paper, we studied the effects of Er3+/Yb3+ concentration ratio on structural, morphological and luminescence properties of GdVO4:Er3+/Yb3+ green phosphors prepared by a high-temperature solid state method. The samples with different concentrations (between 0.5 to 2 mol% of dopant Er3+ emitting ions and different concentrations (between 5 to 20 mol% of sensitizer ions (Yb3+ were studied. The phosphors were characterized by the X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM and photoluminescence spectroscopy. For all samples, XRD diffraction patterns confirmed a formation of a pure GdVO4 phase, while the SEM showed that the materials are comprised of chunks of deformed particles with an average diameter ranging from approximately 2 μm to 8 μm. Both, down-conversion and up-conversion emission spectra of GdVO4:Er3+/Yb3+ samples, under near UV and IR excitations, exhibit two strong emission bands in the green spectral region at 525 nm and 552 nm wavelengths corresponding to 2H11/2 →4I15/2 and 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 electronic transitions of Er3+ ions. The intensity of the green emission was changed by changing the Er3+/Yb3+ concentration ratio. This dual-mode luminescence makes these materials ideal as green phosphors for a wide variety of applications in the fields of bioanalysis and biomedical. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 45020 i br. 172056

  20. Solid state photon upconversion utilizing thermally activated delayed fluorescence molecules as triplet sensitizer

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wu, Tony C.; Congreve, Daniel N.; Baldo, Marc A., E-mail: baldo@mit.edu [Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139 (United States)

    2015-07-20

    The ability to upconvert light is useful for a range of applications, from biological imaging to solar cells. But modern technologies have struggled to upconvert incoherent incident light at low intensities. Here, we report solid state photon upconversion employing triplet-triplet exciton annihilation in an organic semiconductor, sensitized by a thermally activated-delayed fluorescence (TADF) dye. Compared to conventional phosphorescent sensitizers, the TADF dye maximizes the wavelength shift in upconversion due to its small singlet-triplet splitting. The efficiency of energy transfer from the TADF dye is 9.1%, and the conversion yield of sensitizer exciton pairs to singlet excitons in the annihilator is 1.1%. Our results demonstrate upconversion in solid state geometries and with non-heavy metal-based sensitizer materials.

  1. NIR-to-visible upconversion nanoparticles for fluorescent labeling and targeted delivery of siRNA

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jiang Shan; Zhang Yong; Lim, Kian Meng; Sim, Eugene K W; Ye Lei

    2009-01-01

    Near-infrared (NIR)-to-visible upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles were synthesized and used for imaging and targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to cancer cells. Silica-coated NaYF 4 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) co-doped with lanthanide ions (Yb/Er) were synthesized. Folic acid and anti-Her2 antibody conjugated UCNs were used to fluorescently label the folate receptors of HT-29 cells and Her2 receptors of SK-BR-3 cells, respectively. The intracellular uptake of the folic acid and antibody conjugated UCNs was visualized using a confocal fluorescence microscope equipped with an NIR laser. siRNA was attached to anti-Her2 antibody conjugated UCNs and the delivery of these nanoparticles to SK-BR-3 cells was studied. Meanwhile, a luciferase assay was established to confirm the gene silencing effect of siRNA. Upconversion nanoparticles can serve as a fluorescent probe and delivery system for simultaneous imaging and delivery of biological molecules.

  2. NIR-to-visible upconversion nanoparticles for fluorescent labeling and targeted delivery of siRNA

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiang, Shan; Zhang, Yong; Lim, Kian Meng; Sim, Eugene K. W.; Ye, Lei

    2009-04-01

    Near-infrared (NIR)-to-visible upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles were synthesized and used for imaging and targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to cancer cells. Silica-coated NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) co-doped with lanthanide ions (Yb/Er) were synthesized. Folic acid and anti-Her2 antibody conjugated UCNs were used to fluorescently label the folate receptors of HT-29 cells and Her2 receptors of SK-BR-3 cells, respectively. The intracellular uptake of the folic acid and antibody conjugated UCNs was visualized using a confocal fluorescence microscope equipped with an NIR laser. siRNA was attached to anti-Her2 antibody conjugated UCNs and the delivery of these nanoparticles to SK-BR-3 cells was studied. Meanwhile, a luciferase assay was established to confirm the gene silencing effect of siRNA. Upconversion nanoparticles can serve as a fluorescent probe and delivery system for simultaneous imaging and delivery of biological molecules.

  3. Upconversion luminescence of Er3+/Yb3+ doped Sr5(PO4)3OH phosphor powders

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mokoena, P. P.; Swart, H. C.; Ntwaeaborwa, O. M.

    2018-04-01

    Sr5(PO4)3OH co-doped with Er3+and Yb3+ powder phosphors were synthesized by urea combustion method. The crystal structure was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Particle morphology was analyzed using a Jeol JSM 7800F thermal field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) and the chemical composition analysis was carried out using an Oxford Instruments AzTEC energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) attached to the FE-SEM. Upconversion emission was measured by using a FLS980 Spectrometer equipped with a 980 nm NIR laser as the excitation source, and a photomultiplier (PMT) detector. The XRD data of the Sr5(PO4)3OH powder exhibited characteristic diffraction patterns of the hexagonal structure referenced in the standard JCPDS card number 00-033-1348. The sharp peaks revealed the formation of crystalline Sr5(PO4)3OH. The powders were made up of hexagonal nanospheres. The enhanced red emission due to the 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ was observed and was attributed to up conversion (UC) energy transfer from Yb3+. The upconversion energy transfer mechanism from Yb3+ to Er3+ is discussed.

  4. Sub-Band Gap Turn-On Near-Infrared-to-Visible Up-Conversion Device Enabled by an Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Photovoltaic Absorber.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yu, By Hyeonggeun; Cheng, Yuanhang; Li, Menglin; Tsang, Sai-Wing; So, Franky

    2018-05-09

    Direct integration of an infrared (IR) photodetector with an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) enables low-cost, pixel-free IR imaging. However, the operation voltage of the resulting IR-to-visible up-conversion is large because of the series device architecture. Here, we report a low-voltage near-IR (NIR)-to-visible up-conversion device using formamidinium lead iodide as a NIR absorber integrated with a phosphorescent OLED. Because of the efficient photocarrier injection from the hybrid perovskite layer to the OLED, we observed a sub-band gap turn-on of the OLED under NIR illumination. The device showed a NIR-to-visible up-conversion efficiency of 3% and a luminance on/off ratio of 10 3 at only 5 V. Finally, we demonstrate pixel-free NIR imaging using the up-conversion device.

  5. Intranuclear biophotonics by smart design of nuclear-targeting photo-/radio-sensitizers co-loaded upconversion nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fan, Wenpei; Shen, Bo; Bu, Wenbo; Zheng, Xiangpeng; He, Qianjun; Cui, Zhaowen; Ni, Dalong; Zhao, Kuaile; Zhang, Shengjian; Shi, Jianlin

    2015-11-01

    Biophotonic technology that uses light and ionizing radiation for positioned cancer therapy is a holy grail in the field of biomedicine because it can overcome the systemic toxicity and adverse side effects of conventional chemotherapy. However, the existing biophotonic techniques fail to achieve the satisfactory treatment efficacy, which remains a big challenge for clinical implementation. Herein, we develop a novel theranostic technique of "intranuclear biophotonics" by the smart design of a nuclear-targeting biophotonic system based on photo-/radio-sensitizers covalently co-loaded upconversion nanoparticles. These nuclear-targeting biophotonic agents can not only generate a great deal of multiple cytotoxic reactive oxygen species in the nucleus by making full use of NIR/X-ray irradiation, but also produce greatly enhanced intranuclear synergetic radio-/photodynamic therapeutic effects under the magnetic/luminescent bimodal imaging guidance, which may achieve the optimal efficacy in treating radio-resistant tumors. We anticipate that the highly effective intranuclear biophotonics will contribute significantly to the development of biophotonic techniques and open new perspectives for a variety of cancer theranostic applications. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes: Layer-by-layer assembly on carbon-nanotube templates and their upconversion luminescence properties

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Huang, Weishi; Shen, Jianfeng; Wan, Lei; Chang, Yu [Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Ye, Mingxin, E-mail: mxye@fudan.edu.cn [Department of Materials Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China); Center of Special Materials and Technology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433 (China)

    2012-11-15

    Graphical abstract: Well-shaped Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes have been successfully synthesized on a large scale via layer-by-layer assembly on carbon nanotubes templates followed by a subsequent heat treatment process. The as-prepared Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes show a strong red emission corresponding to the {sup 4}F{sub 9/2}–{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} transition of the Er{sup 3+} ions under excitation at 980 nm. Display Omitted Highlights: ► Well-shaped Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes have been successfully synthesized. ► CNTs were used as templates for Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes. ► LBL assembly and calcination were used for preparation of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes. ► The as-prepared Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes show a strong red emission. -- Abstract: Well-shaped Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes have been successfully synthesized on a large scale via layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) templates followed by a subsequent heat treatment process. The crystal structure, element analysis, morphology and upconversion luminescence properties were characterized. XRD results demonstrate that the diffraction peaks of the samples calcinated at 800 °C or above can be indexed to the pure cubic phase of Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}. SEM images indicate that a large quantity of uniform and rough nanotubes with diameters of about 30–60 nm can be observed. The as-prepared Y{sub 2}O{sub 3}:Yb/Er nanotubes show a strong red emission corresponding to the {sup 4}F{sub 9/2}–{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} transition of the Er{sup 3+} ions under excitation at 980 nm, which have potential applications in such fields as nanoscale devices, molecular catalysts, nanobiotechnology, photonics and optoelectronics.

  7. Upconversion studies of Er3+/Yb3+ doped SrO.TiO2 borosilicate glass ceramic system

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Maheshwari, Aditya; Om Prakash; Kumar, Devendra; Rai, S.B.

    2011-01-01

    Upconversion behaviour has been studied in various matrices and fine powders of SrTiO 3 by previous workers. In present work, Er 3+ /Yb 3+ were doped in appropriate ratio in SrO.TiO 2 borosilicate glass ceramic system to study the upconversion phenomenon. Dielectric properties of this class of glass ceramic system have been extensively investigated by Thakur et al. It has been observed that both upconversion efficiency and dielectric constant increases with transformation of glass into glass ceramic. Therefore, present investigation is based upon the study of optical as well as the electrical properties of same glass ceramic system. In order to prepare different crystalline matrices, two different Er 3+ /Yb 3+ :SrO.TiO 2 borosilicate glasses with same amount of Er 2 O 3 and Yb 2 O 3 were prepared by melt quench method. Glasses were transparent with light-wine colour. Glass ceramics were prepared from the glasses by heat treatment based on DTA (Differential thermal analysis) results. Glass ceramics were fully opaque with brownish-cream colour. Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed that two different crystalline matrices, Sr 3 Ti 2 O 7 , Ti 10 O 19 and SrTiO 3 , TiO 2 were present in two glass ceramic samples respectively. Luminescence properties of glass and glass ceramic samples with 976nm laser irradiation showed that the intensities of the green and red emission increased multiple times in glass ceramic than that of the glass. Possible mechanisms responsible for upconversion eg. Energy Transfer (ET) and Excited State Absorption (ESA), were studied through laser pumping power log dependence

  8. Upconversion mechanisms of Er{sup 3+}:NaYF{sub 4} and thermal effects induced by incident photon on the green luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, Ran; Zhang, Xinlu; Liu, Feng; Xiao, Luying [Key Lab of In-fiber Integrated Optics, Ministry Education of China, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); School of Science, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); Chen, Yujin [Key Lab of In-fiber Integrated Optics, Ministry Education of China, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); School of Science, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); Liu, Lu, E-mail: liulu@hrbeu.edu.cn [Key Lab of In-fiber Integrated Optics, Ministry Education of China, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); School of Science, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China); College of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150001 (China)

    2016-07-15

    Wide range concentrations of Er{sup 3+} doped NaYF{sub 4} nanocrystals are synthesized. Upconversion mechanisms are discussed under 976 nm NIR laser excitation on the basis of the fluorescence spectra and lifetimes data of Er{sup 3+}. It is found that the heat induced by incident laser results in an evident increase of the slope of emission from {sup 2}H{sub 11/2} energy level in the pump power dependence. Emission color of samples is investigated and stable chromaticity under different pump power from low and heavy doping samples are found. In addition, upconversion mechanisms are also investigated under 966 nm excitation.

  9. Photon up-conversion increases biomass yield in Chlorella vulgaris.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Menon, Kavya R; Jose, Steffi; Suraishkumar, Gadi K

    2014-12-01

    Photon up-conversion, a process whereby lower energy radiations are converted to higher energy levels via the use of appropriate phosphor systems, was employed as a novel strategy for improving microalgal growth and lipid productivity. Photon up-conversion enables the utilization of regions of the solar spectrum, beyond the typical photosynthetically active radiation, that are usually wasted or are damaging to the algae. The effects of up-conversion of red light by two distinct sets of up-conversion phosphors were studied in the model microalgae Chlorella vulgaris. Up-conversion by set 1 phosphors led to a 2.85 fold increase in biomass concentration and a 3.2 fold increase in specific growth rate of the microalgae. While up-conversion by set 2 phosphors resulted in a 30% increase in biomass and 12% increase in specific intracellular neutral lipid, while the specific growth rates were comparable to that of the control. Furthermore, up-conversion resulted in higher levels of specific intracellular reactive oxygen species in C. vulgaris. Up-conversion of red light (654 nm) was shown to improve biomass yields in C. vulgaris. In principle, up-conversion can be used to increase the utilization range of the electromagnetic spectrum for improved cultivation of photosynthetic systems such as plants, algae, and microalgae. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  10. Potential of luminescence based molecular animal imaging in research areas pertaining to cancer biology and therapy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Yadav, Hansa D.; Shetake, Neena G.; Balla Murali, M.S.; Kumar, Amit; Pandey, B.N.

    2017-01-01

    Animal imaging is getting tremendous importance in biomedical research areas including drug delivery, radiobiology and cancer research. Even though, imaging techniques like CT, PET, SPECT, MRI are available for experimental animals, luminescence-based molecular imaging is still considered as crucial and common tool for biomedical laboratories due to easy handling/maintenance, cost effectiveness and various strategies available to manipulate the molecules/cells employed for imaging purposes. The Molecular Animal Imaging System available in our laboratory is being utilized for various cancer research activities including measurement of tumor growth kinetics, angiogenesis, therapeutic efficacy evaluation and metastasis studies. Moreover, the imaging system is also been used for radio-luminescence imaging based on Cherenkov radiation of radio-pharmaceuticals. (author)

  11. Quantitative study of luminescence optical tomography. Application to sources localisation in molecular imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Boffety, Matthieu

    2010-01-01

    Molecular imaging is a major modality in the field of preclinical research. Among the existing methods, techniques based on optical detection of visible or near infrared radiation are the most recent and are mainly represented by luminescence optical tomography techniques. These methods allow for 3D characterization of a biological medium by reconstructing maps of concentration or localisation of luminescent beacons sensitive to biological and chemical processes at the molecular or cellular scale. Luminescence optical tomography is based on a model of light propagation in tissues, a protocol for acquiring surface signal and a numerical inversion procedure used to reconstruct the parameters of interest. This thesis is structured around these three axes and provides an answer to each problem. The main objective of this study is to introduce and present the tools to evaluate the theoretical performances of optical tomography methods. One of its major outcomes is the realisation of experimental tomographic reconstructions from images acquired by an optical imager designed for 2D planar imaging and developed by the company Quidd. In a first step we develop the theory of transport in scattering medium to establish the concept on which our work will rely. We present two different propagation models as well as resolution methods and theoretical difficulties associated with them. In a second part we introduce the statistical tools used to characterise tomographic systems. We define and apply a procedure to simple situations in luminescence optical tomography. The last part of this work presents the development of an inversion procedure. After introducing the theoretical framework we validate the procedure from numerical data before successfully applying it to experimental measurements. (author) [fr

  12. Up-conversion luminescent properties of La{sub (0.80−x)}VO{sub 4}:Yb{sub x}, Er{sub 0.20} phosphors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Choi, Dong Hwa; Kang, Deok Hwa [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Yi, Soung Soo, E-mail: ssyi@silla.ac.kr [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Jang, Kiwan [Department of Physics, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Jeong, Jung Hyun [Department of Physics, Pukyong National University, Busan 608-737 (Korea, Republic of)

    2015-11-15

    Highlights: • A novel green and red emitting LaVO{sub 4}:Yb{sub x}{sup 3+}, Er{sub 0.20}{sup 3+} phosphors were synthesized. • Their structures, luminescent properties have also been investigated. • Major laser transition for Er{sup 3+} ion is {sup 2}H{sub 11/2} → {sup 4}I{sub 15/2} (525 nm). • These results suggest the possibility as photonic devices. - Abstract: Yb{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+} co-doped LaVO{sub 4} phosphors were synthesized by solid state reaction method. Yb{sup 3+} concentrations were changed from 0.01 to 0.20 mol for the fixed Er{sup 3+} concentration at 0.2 mol. The crystalline structure of samples was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The composition was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. The surface morphology was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The red and green up-conversion emissions were observed in Yb{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+} co-doped LaVO{sub 4} phosphors under the excitation of 980 nm laser diode. Several emissions in green and red regions of the spectrum were observed near 525 nm, 553 nm and 659 nm radiated by {sup 2}H{sub 11/2} → {sup 4}I{sub 15/2}, {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} → {sup 4}I{sub 15/2}, and {sup 4}F{sub 3/2} → {sup 4}I{sub 15/2} transitions, respectively.

  13. Fabrication and evaluation of chitosan/NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles composite beads based on the gelling of Pickering emulsion droplets.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yan, Huiqiong; Chen, Xiuqiong; Shi, Jia; Shi, Zaifeng; Sun, Wei; Lin, Qiang; Wang, Xianghui; Dai, Zihao

    2017-02-01

    The rare earth ion doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) synthesized by hydrophobic organic ligands possess poor solubility and low fluorescence quantum yield in aqueous media. To conquer this issue, NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs, synthesized by a hydrothermal method, were coated with F127 and then assembled with chitosan to fabricate the chitosan/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ composite beads (CS/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ CBs) by Pickering emulsion system. The characterization results revealed that the as-synthesized NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs with an average size of 20nm exhibited spherical morphology, high crystallinity and characteristic emission upconversion fluorescence with an overall blue color output. The NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ UCNPs were successfully conjugated on the surface of chitosan beads by the gelling of emulsion droplets. The resultant CS/NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ CBs showed good upconversion luminescent property, drug-loading capacity, release performance and excellent biocompatibility, exhibiting great potentials in targeted drug delivery and tissue engineering with potential tracking capability and lasting release performance. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  14. Luminescence properties of Tm3+ ions single-doped YF3 materials in an unconventional excitation region.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Yuan; Liu, Qing; Lin, Han; Yan, Xiaohong

    2018-05-01

    According to the spectral distribution of solar radiation at the earth's surface, under the excitation region of 1150 to 1350 nm, the up-conversion luminescence of Tm 3+ ions was investigated. The emission bands were matched well with the spectral response region of silicon solar cells, achieved by Tm 3+ ions single-doped yttrium fluoride (YF 3 ) phosphor, which was different from the conventional Tm 3+ /Yb 3+ ion couple co-doped materials. Additionally, the similar emission bands of Tm 3+ ions were achieved under excitation in the ultraviolet region. It is expected that via up-conversion and down-conversion routes, Tm 3+ -sensitized materials could convert photons to the desired wavelengths in order to reduce the energy loss of silicon solar cells, thereby enhancing the photovoltaic efficiency. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  15. A Wide Spectral Range Reflectance and Luminescence Imaging System

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tapani Hirvonen

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available In this study, we introduce a wide spectral range (200–2500 nm imaging system with a 250 μm minimum spatial resolution, which can be freely modified for a wide range of resolutions and measurement geometries. The system has been tested for reflectance and luminescence measurements, but can also be customized for transmittance measurements. This study includes the performance results of the developed system, as well as examples of spectral images. Discussion of the system relates it to existing systems and methods. The wide range spectral imaging system that has been developed is however highly customizable and has great potential in many practical applications.

  16. Light-Harvesting Organic Nanocrystals Capable of Photon Upconversion.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Li; Zeng, Yi; Yu, Tianjun; Chen, Jinping; Yang, Guoqiang; Li, Yi

    2017-11-23

    Harvesting and converting low energy photons into higher ones through upconversion have great potential in solar energy conversion. A light-harvesting nanocrystal assembled from 9,10-distyrylanthracene and palladium(II) meso-tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin as the acceptor and the sensitizer, respectively effects red-to-green upconversion under incoherent excitation of low power density. An upconversion quantum yield of 0.29±0.02 % is obtained upon excitation with 640 nm laser of 120 mW cm -2 . The well-organized packing of acceptor molecules with aggregation-induced emission in the nanocrystals dramatically reduces the nonradiative decay of the excited acceptor, benefits the triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion and guides the consequent upconverted emission. This work provides a straightforward strategy to develop light-harvesting nanocrystals based on TTA upconversion, which is attractive for energy conversion and photonic applications. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  17. Development of an ultralow-light-level luminescence image analysis system for dynamic measurements of transcriptional activity in living and migrating cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Maire, E; Lelièvre, E; Brau, D; Lyons, A; Woodward, M; Fafeur, V; Vandenbunder, B

    2000-04-10

    We have developed an approach to study in single living epithelial cells both cell migration and transcriptional activation, which was evidenced by the detection of luminescence emission from cells transfected with luciferase reporter vectors. The image acquisition chain consists of an epifluorescence inverted microscope, connected to an ultralow-light-level photon-counting camera and an image-acquisition card associated to specialized image analysis software running on a PC computer. Using a simple method based on a thin calibrated light source, the image acquisition chain has been optimized following comparisons of the performance of microscopy objectives and photon-counting cameras designed to observe luminescence. This setup allows us to measure by image analysis the luminescent light emitted by individual cells stably expressing a luciferase reporter vector. The sensitivity of the camera was adjusted to a high value, which required the use of a segmentation algorithm to eliminate the background noise. Following mathematical morphology treatments, kinetic changes of luminescent sources were analyzed and then correlated with the distance and speed of migration. Our results highlight the usefulness of our image acquisition chain and mathematical morphology software to quantify the kinetics of luminescence changes in migrating cells.

  18. Upconversion Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Mechanism, and Applications in Sensing

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Julia Xiaojun Zhao

    2012-02-01

    Full Text Available Upconversion is an optical process that involves the conversion of lower-energy photons into higher-energy photons. It has been extensively studied since mid-1960s and widely applied in optical devices. Over the past decade, high-quality rare earth-doped upconversion nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized with the rapid development of nanotechnology and are becoming more prominent in biological sciences. The synthesis methods are usually phase-based processes, such as thermal decomposition, hydrothermal reaction, and ionic liquids-based synthesis. The main difference between upconversion nanoparticles and other nanomaterials is that they can emit visible light under near infrared irradiation. The near infrared irradiation leads to low autofluorescence, less scattering and absorption, and deep penetration in biological samples. In this review, the synthesis of upconversion nanoparticles and the mechanisms of upconversion process will be discussed, followed by their applications in different areas, especially in the biological field for biosensing.

  19. Smartphone based visual and quantitative assays on upconversional paper sensor.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mei, Qingsong; Jing, Huarong; Li, You; Yisibashaer, Wuerzha; Chen, Jian; Nan Li, Bing; Zhang, Yong

    2016-01-15

    The integration of smartphone with paper sensors recently has been gain increasing attentions because of the achievement of quantitative and rapid analysis. However, smartphone based upconversional paper sensors have been restricted by the lack of effective methods to acquire luminescence signals on test paper. Herein, by the virtue of 3D printing technology, we exploited an auxiliary reusable device, which orderly assembled a 980nm mini-laser, optical filter and mini-cavity together, for digitally imaging the luminescence variations on test paper and quantitative analyzing pesticide thiram by smartphone. In detail, copper ions decorated NaYF4:Yb/Tm upconversion nanoparticles were fixed onto filter paper to form test paper, and the blue luminescence on it would be quenched after additions of thiram through luminescence resonance energy transfer mechanism. These variations could be monitored by the smartphone camera, and then the blue channel intensities of obtained colored images were calculated to quantify amounts of thiram through a self-written Android program installed on the smartphone, offering a reliable and accurate detection limit of 0.1μM for the system. This work provides an initial demonstration of integrating upconversion nanosensors with smartphone digital imaging for point-of-care analysis on a paper-based platform. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  20. Investigation into scanning tunnelling luminescence microscopy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Manson-Smith, S.K.

    2001-01-01

    This work reports on the development of a scanning tunnelling luminescence (STL) microscope and its application to the study of Ill-nitride semiconductor materials used in the production of light emitting devices. STL microscopy is a technique which uses the high resolution topographic imaging capabilities of the scanning tunnelling microscope (STM) to generate high resolution luminescence images. The STM tunnelling current acts as a highly localised source of electrons (or holes) which generates luminescence in certain materials. Light generated at the STM tunnelling junction is collected concurrently with the height variation of the tunnelling probe as it is scanned across a sample surface, producing simultaneous topographic and luminescence images. Due to the very localised excitation source, high resolution luminescence images can be obtained. Spectroscopic resolution can be obtained by using filters. Additionally, the variation of luminescence intensity with tunnel current and with bias voltage can provide information on recombination processes and material properties. The design and construction of a scanning tunnelling luminescence microscope is described in detail. Operating under ambient conditions, the microscope has several novel features, including a new type of miniature inertial slider-based approach motor, large solid-angle light collection optical arrangement and a tip-height regulation system which requires the minimum of operator input. (author)

  1. Cooperative upconversion as the gain-limiting factor in Er doped miniature Al2O3 optical waveguide amplifiers

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kik, P.G.; Polman, A.

    2003-01-01

    Erbium doped Al 2 O 3 waveguide amplifiers were fabricated using two different doping methods, namely Er ion implantation into sputter deposited Al 2 O 3 , and co-sputtering from an Er 2 O 3 /Al 2 O 3 target. Although the Er concentration in both materials is almost identical (0.28 and 0.31 at. %), the amplifiers show a completely different behavior. Upon pumping with 1.48 μm, the co-sputtered waveguide shows a strong green luminescence from the 4 S 3/2 level, indicating efficient cooperative upconversion in this material. This is confirmed by pump power dependent measurements of the optical transmission at 1.53 μm and the spontaneous emission at 1.53 and 0.98 μm. All measurements can be accurately modeled using a set of rate equations that include first order and second order cooperative upconversion. The first order cooperative upconversion coefficient C 24 is found to be 3.5x10 -16 cm 3 s -1 in the co-sputtered material, two orders of magnitude higher than the value obtained in Er implanted Al 2 O 3 of 4.1x10 -18 cm 3 s -1 . It is concluded that the co-sputtering process results in a strongly inhomogeneous atomic scale spatial distribution of the Er ions. As a result, the co-sputtered waveguides do not show optical gain, while the implanted waveguides do

  2. NIR to visible upconversion in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped CaYAl3O7 phosphor obtained by solution combustion process

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Singh, Vijay; Rai, Vineet Kumar; Al-Shamery, Katharina; Nordmann, Joerg; Haase, Markus

    2011-01-01

    Using the combustion synthesis, CaYAl 3 O 7 :Er 3+ phosphor powders co-doped with Yb 3+ have been prepared at low temperatures (550 o C) in a few minutes. Formation of the compound was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. Near-infrared to visible upconversion fluorescence emission in the Er 3+ doped CaYAl 3 O 7 phosphor powder has been observed. The effect of co-doping with triply ionized ytterbium in the CaYAl 3 O 7 :Er 3+ phosphor has been studied and the process involved is discussed. - Highlights: → The green emitting up-conversion CaYAl 3 O 7 :Er 3+ phosphor powders co-doped with Yb 3+ have been prepared by easy combustion method. → The combustion method is a simple, energy saving, fast and economical viable process. → The luminescence intensity in the co-doped phosphor is enhanced by several times compared to that of the singly (Er 3+ ) doped phosphor.

  3. Upconversion photoluminescence of epitaxial Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} codoped ferroelectric Pb(Zr,Ti)O{sub 3} films on silicon substrates

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhang, Yang, E-mail: zhangy_acd@hotmail.com [IFW Dresden, P.O. Box 270116, D-01171 Dresden (Germany); Kämpfe, Thomas [Institut für Angewandte Physik, TU Dresden, 01062 Dresden (Germany); Bai, Gongxun [Department of Applied Physics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong (China); Mietschke, Michael; Yuan, Feifei; Zopf, Michael [IFW Dresden, P.O. Box 270116, D-01171 Dresden (Germany); Abel, Stefan [IBM Research GmbH, Saümerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon (Switzerland); Eng, Lukas M. [Institut für Angewandte Physik, TU Dresden, 01062 Dresden (Germany); Hühne, Ruben [IFW Dresden, P.O. Box 270116, D-01171 Dresden (Germany); Fompeyrine, Jean [IBM Research GmbH, Saümerstrasse 4, 8803 Rüschlikon (Switzerland); Ding, Fei, E-mail: f.ding@ifw-dresden.de [IFW Dresden, P.O. Box 270116, D-01171 Dresden (Germany); Schmidt, Oliver G. [IFW Dresden, P.O. Box 270116, D-01171 Dresden (Germany); Material Systems for Nanoelectronics, Chemnitz University of Technology, Reichenhainer strasse 70, 09107 Chemnitz (Germany)

    2016-05-31

    Thin films of Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} codoped Pb(Zr,Ti)O{sub 3} (PZT:Yb/Er) have been epitaxially grown on the SrTiO{sub 3} buffered Si wafer by pulsed laser deposition. Strong upconversion photoluminescence was observed in the PZT:Yb/Er thin film. Using piezoresponse force microscopy, polar domains in the PZT:Yb/Er film can be reversibly switched with a phase change of 180°. Ferroelectric hysteresis loop shape with a well-saturated response was observed. The epitaxially grown lanthanide-doped PZT on silicon opens up a promising route to the integration of luminescent functional oxides on the silicon platform. - Highlights: • Epitaxial growth of Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} codoped Pb(Zr,Ti)O{sub 3} films on SrTiO{sub 3} buffered silicon • Upconversion emissions were obtained from the lanthanide ion doped thin films. • Saturated ferroelectric hysteresis loops were observed. • Polar domains were switched by PFM with a phase change of 180°.

  4. Intra-cavity upconversion to 631 nm of images illuminated by an eye-safe ASE source at 1550 nm.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Torregrosa, A J; Maestre, H; Capmany, J

    2015-11-15

    We report an image wavelength upconversion system. The system mixes an incoming image at around 1550 nm (eye-safe region) illuminated by an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) fiber source with a Gaussian beam at 1064 nm generated in a continuous-wave diode-pumped Nd(3+):GdVO(4) laser. Mixing takes place in a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal placed intra-cavity. The upconverted image obtained by sum-frequency mixing falls around the 631 nm red spectral region, well within the spectral response of standard silicon focal plane array bi-dimensional sensors, commonly used in charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) video cameras, and of most image intensifiers. The use of ASE illumination benefits from a noticeable increase in the field of view (FOV) that can be upconverted with regard to using coherent laser illumination. The upconverted power allows us to capture real-time video in a standard nonintensified CCD camera.

  5. Time-resolved measurements of luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Collier, Bradley B. [Department of Biomedical Engineering, 408 Mechanical Engineering Office Building, Spence Street, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843 (United States); McShane, Michael J., E-mail: mcshane@tamu.edu [Department of Biomedical Engineering, 408 Mechanical Engineering Office Building, Spence Street, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843 (United States); Materials Science and Engineering Program, 408 Mechanical Engineering Office Building, Spence Street, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843 (United States)

    2013-12-15

    Luminescence sensing and imaging has become more widespread in recent years in a variety of industries including the biomedical and environmental fields. Measurements of luminescence lifetime hold inherent advantages over intensity-based response measurements, and advances in both technology and methods have enabled their use in a broader spectrum of applications including real-time medical diagnostics. This review will focus on recent advances in analytical methods, particularly calculation techniques, including time- and frequency-domain lifetime approaches as well as other time-resolved measurements of luminescence. -- Highlights: • Developments in technology have led to widespread use of luminescence lifetime. • Growing interest for sensing and imaging applications. • Recent advances in approaches to lifetime calculations are reviewed. • Advantages and disadvantages of various methods are weighed. • Other methods for measurement of luminescence lifetime also described.

  6. Time-resolved measurements of luminescence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Collier, Bradley B.; McShane, Michael J.

    2013-01-01

    Luminescence sensing and imaging has become more widespread in recent years in a variety of industries including the biomedical and environmental fields. Measurements of luminescence lifetime hold inherent advantages over intensity-based response measurements, and advances in both technology and methods have enabled their use in a broader spectrum of applications including real-time medical diagnostics. This review will focus on recent advances in analytical methods, particularly calculation techniques, including time- and frequency-domain lifetime approaches as well as other time-resolved measurements of luminescence. -- Highlights: • Developments in technology have led to widespread use of luminescence lifetime. • Growing interest for sensing and imaging applications. • Recent advances in approaches to lifetime calculations are reviewed. • Advantages and disadvantages of various methods are weighed. • Other methods for measurement of luminescence lifetime also described

  7. Optical transitions of Tm3+ in oxyfluoride glasses and compositional and thermal effect on upconversion luminescence of Tm3+/Yb3+-codoped oxyfluoride glasses.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Feng, Li; Wu, Yinsu; Liu, Zhuo; Guo, Tao

    2014-01-24

    Optical properties of Tm(3+)-doped SiO2-BaF2-ZnF2 glasses have been investigated on the basis of the Judd-Ofelt theory. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters, radiative transition probabilities, fluorescence branching ratios and radiative lifetimes have been calculated for different glass compositions. Upconversion emissions were observed in Tm(3+)/Yb(3+)-codoped SiO2-BaF2-ZnF2 glasses under 980 nm excitation. The effects of composition, concentration of the doping ions, temperature, and excitation pump power on the upconversion emissions were also systematically studied. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. A multifunctional probe for ICP-MS determination and multimodal imaging of cancer cells.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Bin; Zhang, Yuan; Chen, Beibei; He, Man; Yin, Xiao; Wang, Han; Li, Xiaoting; Hu, Bin

    2017-10-15

    Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) based bioassay and multimodal imaging have attracted increasing attention in the current development of cancer research and theranostics. Herein, a sensitive, simple, timesaving, and reliable immunoassay for cancer cells counting and dual-modal imaging was proposed by using ICP-MS detection and down-conversion fluorescence (FL)/upconversion luminescence (UCL) with the aid of a multifunctional probe for the first time. The probe consisted of a recognition unit of goat anti-mouse IgG to label the anti-EpCAM antibody attached cells, a fluorescent dye (Cy3) moiety for FL imaging as well as upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) tag for both ICP-MS quantification and UCL imaging of cancer cells. Under the optimized conditions, an excellent linearity and sensitivity were achieved owing to the signal amplification effect of nanoparticles and low spectral interference. Accordingly, a limit of detection (3σ) of 1×10 2 HepG2 cells and a relative standard deviation of 7.1% for seven replicate determinations of 1×10 3 HepG2 cells were obtained. This work proposed a method to employ UCNPs with highly integrated functionalities enabling us not only to count but also to see the cancer cells, opening a promising avenue for biological research and clinical theranostics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  9. Red-light-controllable liquid-crystal soft actuators via low-power excited upconversion based on triplet-triplet annihilation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jiang, Zhen; Xu, Ming; Li, Fuyou; Yu, Yanlei

    2013-11-06

    A red-light-controllable soft actuator has been achieved, driven by low-power excited triplet-triplet annihilation-based upconversion luminescence (TTA-UCL). First, a red-to-blue TTA-based upconversion system with a high absolute quantum yield of 9.3 ± 0.5% was prepared by utilizing platinum(II) tetraphenyltetrabenzoporphyrin (PtTPBP) as the sensitizer and 9,10-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)anthracene (BDPPA) as the annihilator. In order to be employed as a highly effective phototrigger of photodeformable cross-linked liquid-crystal polymers (CLCPs), the PtTPBP&BDPPA system was incorporated into a rubbery polyurethane film and then assembled with an azotolane-containing CLCP film. The generating assembly film bent toward the light source when irradiated with a 635 nm laser at low power density of 200 mW cm(-2) because the TTA-UCL was effectively utilized by the azotolane moieties in the CLCP film, inducing their trans-cis photoisomerization and an alignment change of the mesogens via an emission-reabsorption process. It is the first example of a soft actuator in which the TTA-UCL is trapped and utilized to create photomechanical effect. Such advantages of using this novel red-light-controllable soft actuator in potential biological applications have also been demonstrated as negligible thermal effect and its excellent penetration ability into tissues. This work not only provides a novel photomanipulated soft actuation material system based on the TTA-UCL technology but also introduces a new technological application of the TTA-based upconversion system in photonic devices.

  10. DNA imaging and quantification using chemi-luminescent probes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Dorner, G.; Redjdal, N.; Laniece, P.; Siebert, R.; Tricoire, H.; Valentin, L.

    1999-01-01

    During this interdisciplinary study we have developed an ultra sensitive and reliable imaging system of DNA labelled by chemiluminescence. Based on a liquid nitrogen cooled CCD, the system achieves sensitivities down to 10 fg/mm 2 labelled DNA over a surface area of 25 x 25 cm 2 with a sub-millimeter resolution. Commercially available chemi-luminescent - and enhancer molecules are compared and their reaction conditions optimized for best signal-to-noise ratios. Double labelling was performed to verify quantification with radioactive probes. (authors)

  11. Realization of a video-rate distributed aperture millimeter-wave imaging system using optical upconversion

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schuetz, Christopher; Martin, Richard; Dillon, Thomas; Yao, Peng; Mackrides, Daniel; Harrity, Charles; Zablocki, Alicia; Shreve, Kevin; Bonnett, James; Curt, Petersen; Prather, Dennis

    2013-05-01

    Passive imaging using millimeter waves (mmWs) has many advantages and applications in the defense and security markets. All terrestrial bodies emit mmW radiation and these wavelengths are able to penetrate smoke, fog/clouds/marine layers, and even clothing. One primary obstacle to imaging in this spectrum is that longer wavelengths require larger apertures to achieve the resolutions desired for many applications. Accordingly, lens-based focal plane systems and scanning systems tend to require large aperture optics, which increase the achievable size and weight of such systems to beyond what can be supported by many applications. To overcome this limitation, a distributed aperture detection scheme is used in which the effective aperture size can be increased without the associated volumetric increase in imager size. This distributed aperture system is realized through conversion of the received mmW energy into sidebands on an optical carrier. This conversion serves, in essence, to scale the mmW sparse aperture array signals onto a complementary optical array. The side bands are subsequently stripped from the optical carrier and recombined to provide a real time snapshot of the mmW signal. Using this technique, we have constructed a real-time, video-rate imager operating at 75 GHz. A distributed aperture consisting of 220 upconversion channels is used to realize 2.5k pixels with passive sensitivity. Details of the construction and operation of this imager as well as field testing results will be presented herein.

  12. Estimation and correction of produced light from prompt gamma photons on luminescence imaging of water for proton therapy dosimetry

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yabe, Takuya; Komori, Masataka; Toshito, Toshiyuki; Yamaguchi, Mitsutaka; Kawachi, Naoki; Yamamoto, Seiichi

    2018-02-01

    Although the luminescence images of water during proton-beam irradiation using a cooled charge-coupled device camera showed almost the same ranges of proton beams as those measured by an ionization chamber, the depth profiles showed lower Bragg peak intensities than those measured by an ionization chamber. In addition, a broad optical baseline signal was observed in depths that exceed the depth of the Bragg peak. We hypothesize that this broad baseline signal originates from the interaction of proton-induced prompt gamma photons with water. These prompt gamma photons interact with water to form high-energy Compton electrons, which may cause luminescence or Cherenkov emission from depths exceeding the location of the Bragg peak. To clarify this idea, we measured the luminescence images of water during the irradiations of protons in water with minimized parallax errors, and also simulated the produced light by the interactions of prompt gamma photons with water. We corrected the measured depth profiles of the luminescence images by subtracting the simulated distributions of the produced light by the interactions of prompt gamma photons in water. Corrections were also conducted using the estimated depth profiles of the light of the prompt gamma photons, as obtained from the off-beam areas of the luminescence images of water. With these corrections, we successfully obtained depth profiles that have almost identical distributions as the simulated dose distributions for protons. The percentage relative height of the Bragg peak with corrections to that of the simulation data increased to 94% from 80% without correction. Also, the percentage relative offset heights of the deeper part of the Bragg peak with corrections decreased to 0.2%-0.4% from 4% without correction. These results indicate that the luminescence imaging of water has potential for the dose distribution measurements for proton therapy dosimetry.

  13. Mixing up-conversion excitation behaviors in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped aluminum germanate glasses for visible waveguide devices

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gong, H.; Lin, L.; Zhao, X.; Pun, E.Y.B.; Yang, D.L.; Lin, H.

    2010-01-01

    A mixing up-conversion excitation phenomenon in Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped aluminum germanate (Na 2 O-MgO-Al 2 O 3 -GeO 2 , NMAG for short) glasses for K + -Na + ion-exchanged waveguides was observed and characterized. The green and red up-conversion luminescence of Er 3+ is due to a two-photon excitation process under low-power excitation of a 974 nm diode laser, however, with increasing the pumping power, the green emission turns to follow a combination of two- and three-photon excitation effects while the red one still agrees with a two-photon excitation law. Under high-power pumping, owing to potential thermal effect, the population ratio between the 2 H 11/2 and 4 S 3/2 levels adjusts acutely, which results in a distinct exhibition in 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 and 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 emission transitions. Green transmission trace has been observed in K + -Na + ion-exchanged Er 3+ /Yb 3+ -codoped NMAG glass waveguide and it provides an original reference in developing visible waveguide amplifiers and lasers.

  14. Gadolinium oxysulfide nanoprobes with both persistent luminescent and magnetic properties for multimodal imaging

    OpenAIRE

    ROSTICHER , C.; Viana , Bruno; Fortin , M.-A.; Lagueux , J.; Faucher , L.; Chanéac , Corinne

    2016-01-01

    International audience; Persistent luminescence and magnetic properties of Gd2O2S: Eu 3+ , Ti 4+ , Mg 2+ nanoparticles have been studied to attest the relevance of such nanoparticles as nanoprobes for multimodal imaging. The development of new imaging tools is required to improve the quality of medical images and then to diagnose some disorders as quickly as possible in order to ensure more effective treatment. Multimodal imaging agents here developed combine the high resolution abilities of ...

  15. Near-infrared (NIR) optogenetics using up-conversion system

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hososhima, Shoko; Yuasa, Hideya; Ishizuka, Toru; Yawo, Hiromu

    2015-03-01

    Non-invasive remote control technologies designed to manipulate neural functions for a comprehensive and quantitative understanding of the neuronal network in the brain as well as for the therapy of neurological disorders have long been awaited. Recently, it has become possible to optically manipulate the neuronal activity using biological photo-reactive molecules such as channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2). However, ChR2 and its relatives are mostly reactive to visible light which does not effectively penetrate through biological tissues. In contrast, near-infrared (NIR) light penetrates deep into the tissues because biological systems are almost transparent to light within this so-called `imaging window'. Here we used lanthanide nanoparticles (LNPs), which are composed of rare-earth elements, as luminous bodies to activate channelrhodopsins (ChRs) since they absorb low-energy NIR light to emit high-energy visible light (up-conversion). Neuron-glioma-hybrid ND-7/23 cells were cultured with LNP(NaYF4:Sc/Yb/Er) particles (peak emission, 543 nm) and transfected to express C1V1 (peak absorbance, 539 nm), a chimera of ChR1 and VChR1. The photocurrents were generated in response to NIR laser light (976 nm) to a level comparable to that evoked by a filtered Hg lamp (530-550 nm). NIR light pulses also evoked action potentials in the cultured neurons that expressed C1V1. It is suggested that the green luminescent light emitted from LNPs effectively activated C1V1 to generate the photocurrent. With the optimization of LNPs, acceptor photo-reactive biomolecules and optics, this system could be applied to non-invasively actuate neurons deep in the brain.

  16. Architecture, development and implementation of a SWIR to visible integrated up-conversion imaging device

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sarusi, Gabby; Templeman, Tzvi; Hechster, Elad; Nissim, Nimrod; Vitenberg, Vladimir; Maman, Nitzan; Tal, Amir; Solodar, Assi; Makov, Guy; Abdulhalim, Ibrahim; Visoly-Fisher, Iris; Golan, Yuval

    2016-04-01

    A new concept of short wavelength infrared (SWIR) to visible upconversion integrated imaging device is proposed, modeled and some initial measured results are presented. The device is a hybrid inorganic-organic device that comprises six nano-metric scale sub-layers grown on n-type GaAs substrates. The first layer is a ~300nm thick PbSe nano-columnar absorber layer grown in (111) orientation to the substrate plan (100), with a diameter of 8- 10nm and therefore exhibit quantum confinement effects parallel to the substrate and bulk properties perpendicular to it. The advantage of this structure is the high oscillator strength and hence absorption to incoming SWIR photons while maintaining the high bulk mobility of photo-excited charges along the columns. The top of the PbSe absorber layer is coated with 20nm thick metal layer that serves as a dual sided mirror, as well as a potentially surface plasmon enhanced absorption in the PbSe nano-columns layer. The photo-excited charges (holes and electrons in opposite directions) are drifted under an external applied field to the OLED section (that is composed of a hole transport layer, an emission layer and an electron transport layer) where they recombine with injected electron from the transparent cathode and emit visible light through this cathode. Due to the high absorption and enhanced transport properties this architecture has the potential of high quantum efficiency, low cost and easy implementation in any optical system. As a bench-mark, alternative concept where InGaAs/InP heterojunction couple to liquid crystal optical spatial light modulator (OSLM) structure was built that shows a full upconversion to visible of 1550nm laser light.

  17. Synthesis and characterization of Na(Y,Gd)F{sub 4} upconversion nanoparticles and an investigation of their effects on the photophysical properties of an unsubstituted tetrathiophenoxy phthalocyanine

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Taylor, Jessica M.; Litwinski, Christian; Nyokong, Tebello; Antunes, Edith M., E-mail: ebeukes@uwc.ac.za [Rhodes University, Department of Chemistry (South Africa)

    2015-02-15

    Sphere- and star-shaped Na(Y,Gd)F{sub 4}:Yb/Er(Tm)upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) were successfully synthesized utilizing a methanol-assisted thermal decomposition approach and their spectroscopic (absorption, emission and luminescence lifetime) properties fully characterized. The factors affecting the size and shape of the UCNPs were studied and discussed in detail. The size of the nanoparticles was determined using TEM primarily and found to be approximately 19 and 30 nm for the Er and Tm spheres, respectively, while the Er and Tm “stars” were found to be much larger with sizes ranging from 110 to 240 nm, respectively (as determined along the width of the nanoparticle). In addition, their influence on the spectroscopic properties of an unsubstituted tetrathiophenoxy phthalocyanine (H{sub 2}Pc) was investigated. The UCNP were found to produce characteristic upconversion luminescence emissions in the blue, green, red and NIR regions. Simple mixing with an H{sub 2}Pc in toluene was found to exert no obvious changes in the spectroscopic properties of the Pc, although a considerable increase in the radiative lifetimes is observed for the Pc in the presence of the UCNPs. The singlet oxygen generation mediated by the red light excitation of the H{sub 2}Pc mixed with UCNP was found to decrease in the presence of the NPs.

  18. Upconversion detector for methane atmospheric sensor

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Meng, Lichun; Fix, Andreas; Høgstedt, Lasse

    2017-01-01

    We demonstrate an efficient upconversion detector (UCD) for a methane (CH4) atmospheric sensor. The UCD shows comparable performance with a conventional detector when measuring the backscattered signal from the hard target located 2.3 km away.......We demonstrate an efficient upconversion detector (UCD) for a methane (CH4) atmospheric sensor. The UCD shows comparable performance with a conventional detector when measuring the backscattered signal from the hard target located 2.3 km away....

  19. Down- and up-conversion emissions in Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} codoped TeO{sub 2}–ZnO–ZnF{sub 2} glasses

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Miguel, A. [Departamento de Física Aplicada I, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Alda. Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao (Spain); Arriandiaga, M.A. [Departamento de Física Aplicada II, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Apartado 644, Bilbao (Spain); Morea, R. [Instituto de Optica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Serrano 121, 28006 Madrid (Spain); Fernandez, J. [Departamento de Física Aplicada I, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Alda. Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao (Spain); Materials Physics Center CSIC-UPV/EHU and Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 San Sebastian (Spain); Gonzalo, J. [Instituto de Optica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Serrano 121, 28006 Madrid (Spain); Balda, R., E-mail: wupbacrr@bi.ehu.es [Departamento de Física Aplicada I, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Alda. Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao (Spain); Materials Physics Center CSIC-UPV/EHU and Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 San Sebastian (Spain)

    2015-02-15

    In this work, we report the near infrared and upconversion emissions of Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} codoped fluorotellurite TeO{sub 2}–ZnO–ZnF{sub 2} glasses for different YbF{sub 3} concentrations ranging between 0.5 and 2 wt%. The study includes absorption and emission spectra and lifetime measurements for the infrared and visible fluorescence. The energy transfer between Yb{sup 3+} and Er{sup 3+} ions is confirmed by the temporal behavior of the near-infrared luminescence of Yb{sup 3+} ions as well as by the enhancement of the 1532 nm emission of Er{sup 3+} ions in the codoped samples. The Yb{sup 3+}→Er{sup 3+} energy transfer efficiency is calculated from the Yb{sup 3+} lifetimes in single and codoped samples. Back transfer from Er{sup 3+} to Yb{sup 3+} ions is present under near infrared and visible excitation of Er{sup 3+} ions at 798 and 488 nm respectively. An enhancement of the visible upconversion fluorescence is also observed in the codoped samples due to energy transfer from Yb{sup 3+} to Er{sup 3+} ions. The standardized value for the efficiency of the green upconversion emission is 1.06×10{sup −4} for the codoped sample with 2 wt% of YbF{sub 3} which is comparable to that reported in lead–zinc–tellurite glasses. The possible upconversion processes and mechanisms leading to the population of several excited levels are discussed. - Highlights: • The effect of Yb{sup 3+} concentration on the NIR and VIS emissions of Er{sup 3+}ions is studied. • TheYb{sup 3+}↔Er{sup 3+} energy transfer in fluorotellurite glasses is demonstrated. • Increase of the green upconversion emission with Yb{sup 3+} concentration due to Yb{sup 3+}→Er{sup 3+} energy transfer. • The ratio of red to green upconversion emissions depends on the concentration of Yb{sup 3+} ions.

  20. Contribution to numerical radiology. Study of a bidimensional imaging device that use Electrically Stimulated Luminescence. The case of mammography

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ayral, Jean-Luc

    1990-01-01

    Projection radiography is in a fast change period. This work describes the study and demonstration of a new type of 2D flat X-Ray sensor for mammography and delivering a digital signal. X-ray transmission study of breast tissues leads to: a- definition of X-Ray photons properties for optimized signal-to-noise ratio, and b-specifications of a 2D X-Ray sensor such as mean exposure, dynamic range and pixel size. Then the X-Ray detection processes using a direct or a delayed luminescence mechanism are reviewed. The detailed analysis of the different ways for detecting visible photons is combined with the System specifications (pixel size, image reading time) in order to characterize (from a signal-to-noise ratio aspect) an X-Ray imaging system integrating a delayed luminescence property. The imaging plate and associated luminescent material are specified by their minimum X-Ray absorption and conversion gain. The Gudden- Pohl effect, or Electrically Stimulated Luminescence (ESL) is experimentally studied and quantified under X-Ray excitation in ZnCdS: Cu, Al materials. An original UV sensitization technique opens us the way to highly reproducible results and large sensitivity. The obtained information storage time in the material is compatible with a delayed image reading. These results allow the achievement of an X-Ray imaging demonstrator integrating the ESL imaging plate, an intensified CCD sensor and the sensitization technique. First images are obtained. Further conception of real dimension X-Ray imaging System for mammography is described. (author) [fr

  1. Increasing lanthanide luminescence by use of the RETEL effect.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Leif, Robert C; Vallarino, Lidia M; Becker, Margie C; Yang, Sean

    2006-08-01

    Luminescent lanthanide complexes produce emissions with the narrowest-known width at half maximum; however, their significant use in cytometry required an increase in luminescence intensity. The companion review, Leif et al., Cytometry 2006;69A:767-778, described a new technique for the enhancement of lanthanide luminescence, the Resonance Energy Transfer Enhanced Luminescence (RETEL) effect, which increases luminescence and is compatible with standard slide microscopy. The luminescence of the europium ion macrocyclic complex, EuMac, was increased by employing the RETEL effect. After adding the nonluminescent gadolinium ion complex of the thenoyltrifluoroacetonate (TTFA) ligand or the sodium salt of TTFA in ethanol solution, the EuMac-labeled sample was allowed to dry. Both a conventional arc lamp and a time-gated UV LED served as light sources for microscopic imaging. The emission intensity was measured with a CCD camera. Multiple time-gated images were summed with special software to permit analysis and effective presentation of the final image. With the RETEL effect, the luminescence of the EuMac-streptavidin conjugate increased at least six-fold upon drying. Nuclei of apoptotic cells were stained with DAPI and tailed with 5BrdUrd to which a EuMac-anti-5BrdU conjugate was subsequently attached. Time-gated images showed the long-lived EuMac luminescence but did not show the short-lived DAPI fluorescence. Imaging of DNA-synthesizing cells with an arc lamp showed that both S phase and apoptotic cells were labeled, and that their labeling patterns were different. The images of the luminescent EuMac and fluorescent DAPI were combined to produce a color image on a white background. This combination of simple chemistry, instrumentation, and presentation should make possible the inexpensive use of the lanthanide macrocycles, Quantum Dyes, as molecular diagnostics for cytological and histopathological microscopic imaging. (c) 2006 International Society for Analytical

  2. Long term in vivo imaging with Cr{sup 3+} doped spinel nanoparticles exhibiting persistent luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Viana, B., E-mail: bruno.viana@chimie-paristech.fr [PSL Research University, Chimie ParisTech−CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 75005 Paris (France); Chimie-ParisTech, Paris cedex F-75231 (France); Sharma, S.K.; Gourier, D. [PSL Research University, Chimie ParisTech−CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 75005 Paris (France); Chimie-ParisTech, Paris cedex F-75231 (France); Maldiney, T.; Teston, E.; Scherman, D. [Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS), CNRS UMR 8258, INSERM U 1022, Paris cedex F-75270 (France); Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris cedex F-75270 (France); Chimie-ParisTech, Paris cedex F-75231 (France); Richard, C., E-mail: cyrille.richard@parisdescartes.fr [Unité de Technologies Chimiques et Biologiques pour la Santé (UTCBS), CNRS UMR 8258, INSERM U 1022, Paris cedex F-75270 (France); Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, Paris cedex F-75270 (France); Chimie-ParisTech, Paris cedex F-75231 (France)

    2016-02-15

    Persistent luminescence is a singular property of some materials which are able to store the excitation or light irradiation energy at intrinsic traps or defects before slowly emitting lower energy photons within several hours. When such compounds are prepared as nanoparticles (NPs), when functionalization is realized to get colloidal materials well dispersed in aqueous medium, such nanoprobes open the use of the persistent luminescence for bioimaging applications. Recently, the numbers of in vivo applications increased with new modalities and new expectations. In this review, we focused our attention on the ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4}:Cr (ZGO:Cr) nanoparticles. When ZnGa{sub 2}O{sub 4} (ZGO), a normal spinel is doped with Cr{sup 3+} ions, a high brightness persistent luminescence material with an emission spectrum perfectly matching the transparency window of living tissues is obtained. It allows in vivo mouse imaging with an excellent target-to-background ratio. One interesting characteristic of ZGO:Cr lies in the fact that its persistent luminescence can be excited with orange/red light, well below its band gap energy and in the transparency window of living tissues. This important property allows multiple re-excitations to perform long term bioimaging. Antisite defects of the direct spinel structure are assumed to provide shallow traps which store the excitation light. Charge release by room temperature thermal excitation and recombination center, here trivalent chromium, are responsible for the persistent luminescence. Following a primary excitation (UV or visible), one also observed that trapped charges can be released under 977 nm light stimulation for several spinel gallate materials, therefore increasing the modalities and the materials envisioned for in vivo excitation of these NPs. - Highlights: • Review of the persistent luminescence for bio-imaging. • Long term bioimaging by in vivo excitation and photostimulation. • Challenges and main advances in the

  3. Plasmon Enhancement of Triplet Exciton Diffusion Revealed by Nanoscale Imaging of Photochemical Fluorescence Upconversion

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Bujak, Lukasz; Narushima, K.; Sharma, D.K.; Hirata, S.; Vácha, M.

    2017-01-01

    Roč. 121, č. 45 (2017), s. 25479-25486 ISSN 1932-7447 Institutional support: RVO:67985882 Keywords : Plasmons * Fluorescence upconversion * Nanostructures Subject RIV: BH - Optics, Masers, Lasers OBOR OECD: Optics (including laser optics and quantum optics) Impact factor: 4.536, year: 2016

  4. Size-independent peak shift between normal and upconversion ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    2014-02-12

    Feb 12, 2014 ... In this article, we report size-dependent measurement of the shift in peak of upconversion photoluminescence spectra compared to that of normal photoluminescence using a 800 nm femtosecond laser and its second harmonic. It has been shown that the upconversion photoluminescence is always ...

  5. Paradigms and challenges for bioapplication of rare earth upconversion luminescent nanoparticles: small size and tunable emission/excitation spectra.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Ling-Dong; Wang, Ye-Fu; Yan, Chun-Hua

    2014-04-15

    Rare earth (RE) materials, which are excited in the ultraviolet and emit in the visible light spectrum, are widely used as phosphors for lamps and displays. In the 1960's, researchers reported an abnormal emission phenomenon where photons emitted from a RE element carried more energy than those absorbed, owing to the sequential energy transfer between two RE ions--Yb(3+)-sensitized Er(3+) or Tm(3+)--in the solid state. After further study, researchers named this abnormal emission phenomenon upconversion (UC) emission. More recent approaches take advantage of solution-based synthesis, which allows creation of homogenous RE nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled size and structure that are capable of UC emission. Such nanoparticles are useful for many applications, especially in biology. For these applications, researchers seek small NPs with high upconversion emission intensity. These UCNPs have the potential to have multicolor and tunable emissions via various activators. A vast potential for future development remains by developing molecular antennas and energy transfer within RE ions. We expect UCNPs with optimized spectra behavior to meet the increasing demand of potential applications in bioimaging, biological detection, and light conversion. This Account focuses on efforts to control the size and modulate the spectra of UCNPs. We first review efforts in size control. One method is careful control of the synthesis conditions to manipulate particle nucleation and growth, but more recently researchers have learned that the doping conditions can affect the size of UCNPs. In addition, constructing homogeneous core/shell structures can control nanoparticle size by adjusting the shell thickness. After reviewing size control, we consider how diverse applications impose different requirements on excitation and/or emission photons and review recent developments on tuning of UC spectral profiles, especially the extension of excitation/emission wavelengths and the adjustment

  6. Visible-to-UVC upconversion efficiency and mechanisms of Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} and Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Pr{sup 3+} ceramics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Cates, Ezra L. [Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625 (United States); Center for Optical Materials Science and Engineering Technologies, Clemson University, Anderson, SC 29625 (United States); Wilkinson, Angus P. [School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332 (United States); Kim, Jae-Hong, E-mail: jaehong.kim@yale.edu [Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511 (United States)

    2015-04-15

    Visible-to-UVC upconversion (UC) by Pr{sup 3+}-doped materials is a promising candidate for application to sustainable disinfection technologies, including light-activated antimicrobial surfaces and solar water treatment. In this work, we studied Pr{sup 3+} upconversion in an oxyfluoride host system for the first time, employing Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} ceramics. Compared to the previously studied Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Pr{sup 3+} reference material, the oxyfluoride host resulted in a 5-fold increase in intermediate state lifetime, likely due to a lower maximum phonon energy; however, only a 60% gain in UC intensity was observed. To explain this discrepancy, luminescence spectral distribution and decay kinetics were studied in both phosphor systems. The Pr{sup 3+} 4f5d band energy distribution in each phosphor was found to play a key role by allowing or disallowing the occurrence of a previously unexplored UC mechanism, which had a significant impact on overall efficiency. - Highlights: • Visible-to-UVC upconversion by Pr{sup 3+} was studied in an oxyfluoride host matrix for the first time. • Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} ceramics were synthesized and characterized. • Lu{sub 7}O{sub 6}F{sub 9}:Pr{sup 3+} shows more intense UV upconversion than Y{sub 2}SiO{sub 5}:Pr{sup 3+}, with differing mechanisms. • 4f5d band energy and {sup 1}D{sub 2} involvement are important in maximizing upconversion efficiency.

  7. Up-conversion luminescence application in Er3+: TiO2 thin film prepared by dip coating sol-gel route

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Badr, Y.; Battisha, I.K.; Salah, A.; Salem, M.A.

    2008-01-01

    Sol-gel derived nano-crystalline titanium dioxide films doped with 1 up to 5% Er 3+ ions were prepared by dip coating sol-gel method. The coating sol was obtained by hydrolysis of Ti(OC 4 H 9 ) 4 in ethanol/HCI solution. The FT-Raman and the X-ray diffraction (XRD) were carried out to determine the crystal structure of the prepared samples. The morphology SEM and the cross-sectional of the film were used to characterize the microstructure and the thickness of the prepared film. It is shown that relative homogeneous, crack-free and transparent film was achieved via dipping process at 500 deg C. After the excitation with laser diode at wavelength 808 nm, visible (Vis) and infrared (IR) up-conversion emissions were evidenced in the thin film samples under investigation. The up-conversion was found to depend strongly on the Er 3+ ion concentrations. The visible emission was found to be at 540, 560, 590 and 640 nm for thin film. They are attributed to intra-4f transition of Er 3+ ions and assigned to the ( 2 H 11/2 + 4 S 3/2 ) and 4 F 9/2 , which are populated through excited state absorption (ESA) for 808 nm excitation. (author)

  8. Efficient green and red up-conversion emissions in Er/Yb co-doped TiO{sub 2} nanopowders prepared by hydrothermal-assisted sol–gel process

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Salhi, Rached, E-mail: salhi_rached@yahoo.fr [Laboratoire de chimie industrielle, Ecole Nationale d’ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3018 Sfax (Tunisia); Deschanvres, Jean-Luc [Laboratoire des Matériaux et du Génie Physique, 3 Parvis Louis Néel, BP 257, 38016 Grenoble (France)

    2016-08-15

    In this work, erbium and ytterbium co-doped titanium dioxide (Er–Yb:TiO{sub 2}) nanopowders have been successfully prepared by hydrothermal-assisted sol–gel method using supercritical drying of ethyl alcohol and annealing at 500 °C for 1 h. Nanopowders were prepared with fixed 5 mol% Erbium concentration and various Ytterbium concentrations of 5 and 10 mol%. The powders were characterized by studying their structural, morphology and photo-luminescent properties. The annealing treatment at 500 °C was found to enhance the crystallinity of the TiO{sub 2} anatase structure and the upconversion (UC) emission of the nanopowders. UC emissions were investigated under 980 nm excitation, and the Er–Yb:TiO{sub 2} nanopowders exhibited the intense green (520–570 nm) and red (640–690 nm) upconverted emissions of Er ions originating from an efficient Yb–Er energy transfer process. The absolute upconversion quantum yield (UC-QY) of each nanopowders was measured for the UC emissions centered at 525, 550 and 655 nm at varying excitation power densities. UC-QY analysis has revealed that 5 mol% Er–5 mol% Yb:TiO{sub 2} nanopowders possess the highest total quantum yield of 2.8±0.1% with a power density of 16.7 W/cm{sup 2}. These results make these nanopowders promising materials for efficient upconversion in photonic applications.

  9. Facial fluid synthesis for assessment of acne vulgaris using luminescent visualization system through optical imaging and integration of fluorescent imaging system

    Science.gov (United States)

    Balbin, Jessie R.; Dela Cruz, Jennifer C.; Camba, Clarisse O.; Gozo, Angelo D.; Jimenez, Sheena Mariz B.; Tribiana, Aivje C.

    2017-06-01

    Acne vulgaris, commonly called as acne, is a skin problem that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog up in a person's pores. This is because hormones change which makes the skin oilier. The problem is people really do not know the real assessment of sensitivity of their skin in terms of fluid development on their faces that tends to develop acne vulgaris, thus having more complications. This research aims to assess Acne Vulgaris using luminescent visualization system through optical imaging and integration of image processing algorithms. Specifically, this research aims to design a prototype for facial fluid analysis using luminescent visualization system through optical imaging and integration of fluorescent imaging system, and to classify different facial fluids present in each person. Throughout the process, some structures and layers of the face will be excluded, leaving only a mapped facial structure with acne regions. Facial fluid regions are distinguished from the acne region as they are characterized differently.

  10. Local symmetric distortion boosted photon up-conversion and thermometric sensitivity in lanthanum oxide nanospheres.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Suo, Hao; Zhao, Xiaoqi; Zhang, Zhiyu; Shi, Rui; Wu, Yanfang; Xiang, Jinmeng; Guo, Chongfeng

    2018-05-17

    It is essential to simultaneously boost the luminescence intensity and thermometric sensitivity of up-converted optical thermometers towards potential biomedical sensing applications. Herein, the effects of local site symmetry on the up-conversion (UC) emission and thermal sensing ability in trigonal-phased La2O3:Er3+/Yb3+ nanospheres were qualitatively explored using cubic-phased Lu2O3 and Y2O3 with a similar shape and phonon energy as contrasts. Under 980 nm light excitation, much stronger UC emissions were detected in La2O3 samples than that in cubic Lu2O3 and Y2O3 samples, and the possible mechanisms were elaborately proposed using Eu3+ as a luminescent probe. Thermo-responsive emission intensity from 2H11/2/4S3/2 levels was monitored to evaluate the absolute sensitivity of three samples, which strongly depends on the dopant-induced local site symmetric distortions according to the Judd-Ofelt theory. The potentiality of La2O3:Er3+/Yb3+ for sub-tissue thermometry was also validated by ex vivo experiments. Results open a promising avenue for realizing highly sensitive thermometry with a large signal-to-noise ratio in sub-tissues via finely tailoring the local site symmetry.

  11. Sensing using rare-earth-doped upconversion nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hao, Shuwei; Chen, Guanying; Yang, Chunhui

    2013-01-01

    Optical sensing plays an important role in theranostics due to its capability to detect hint biochemical entities or molecular targets as well as to precisely monitor specific fundamental psychological processes. Rare-earth (RE) doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are promising for these endeavors due to their unique frequency converting capability; they emit efficient and sharp visible or ultraviolet (UV) luminescence via use of ladder-like energy levels of RE ions when excited at near infrared (NIR) light that are silent to tissues. These features allow not only a high penetration depth in biological tissues but also a high detection sensitivity. Indeed, the energy transfer between UCNPs and biomolecular or chemical indicators provide opportunities for high-sensitive bio- and chemical-sensing. A temperature-sensitive change of the intensity ratio between two close UC bands promises them for use in temperature mapping of a single living cell. In this work, we review recent investigations on using UCNPs for the detection of biomolecules (avidin, ATP, etc.), ions (cyanide, mecury, etc.), small gas molecules (oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonia, etc.), as well as for in vitro temperature sensing. We also briefly summarize chemical methods in synthesizing UCNPs of high efficiency that are important for the detection limit.

  12. Size dependence of upconversion photoluminescence in MPA capped CdTe quantum dots: Existence of upconversion bright point

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ananthakumar, S. [Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, Chennai 600025 (India); Jayabalan, J., E-mail: jjaya@rrcat.gov.in [Laser Physics Applications Section, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore 452013 (India); Singh, Asha; Khan, Salahuddin [Laser Physics Applications Section, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore 452013 (India); Babu, S. Moorthy [Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, Chennai 600025 (India); Chari, Rama [Laser Physics Applications Section, Raja Ramanna Centre for Advanced Technology, Indore 452013 (India)

    2016-01-15

    The photoluminescence (PL) from semiconductor quantum dots can show a “PL bright point”, that is the PL from as prepared quantum dots is maximum at a particular size. In this work we show that, for CdTe quantum dots, upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) originating from nonlinear absorption shows a similar “UCPL bright point”. The PL and UCPL bright points occur at nearly the same size. The existence of a UCPL bright point has important implications for upconversion microscopy applications. - Highlights: • The size dependence of the upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) spectrum of CdTe quantum dots has been reported. • We show that the UCPL from the CdTe quantum dots is highest at a particular size. • Thus the occurrence of a 'UCPL bright point' in CdTe quantum dots has been demonstrated. • It has been shown that the UCPL bright point occurs at nearly the same size as a normal bright point.

  13. Size dependence of upconversion photoluminescence in MPA capped CdTe quantum dots: Existence of upconversion bright point

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ananthakumar, S.; Jayabalan, J.; Singh, Asha; Khan, Salahuddin; Babu, S. Moorthy; Chari, Rama

    2016-01-01

    The photoluminescence (PL) from semiconductor quantum dots can show a “PL bright point”, that is the PL from as prepared quantum dots is maximum at a particular size. In this work we show that, for CdTe quantum dots, upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) originating from nonlinear absorption shows a similar “UCPL bright point”. The PL and UCPL bright points occur at nearly the same size. The existence of a UCPL bright point has important implications for upconversion microscopy applications. - Highlights: • The size dependence of the upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) spectrum of CdTe quantum dots has been reported. • We show that the UCPL from the CdTe quantum dots is highest at a particular size. • Thus the occurrence of a "UCPL bright point" in CdTe quantum dots has been demonstrated. • It has been shown that the UCPL bright point occurs at nearly the same size as a normal bright point.

  14. Plasmon-enhanced energy transfer for improved upconversion of infrared radiation in doped-lanthanide nanocrystals

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Qi; Mundoor, Haridas; Ribot, Josep; Singh, Vivek; Smalyukh, Ivan; Nagpal, Prashant

    2014-03-01

    Upconversion of infrared radiation into visible light has been investigated for applications in biological imaging and photovoltaics. However, low conversion efficiency due to small absorption cross-section for infrared light (Yb3+) , and slow rate of energy transfer (to Er3+ states) has prevented application of upconversion photoluminescence (UPL) for diffuse sunlight or imaging tissue samples. Here, we utilize resonant surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) waves to enhance UPL in doped-lanthanide nanocrystals. Our analysis indicates that SPP waves not only enhance the electromagnetic field, and hence weak Purcell effect, but also increases the rate of resonant energy transfer from Yb3+ to Er3+ ions by 6 fold. While we do observe strong metal mediated quenching (14 fold) of green fluorescence on flat metal surfaces, the nanostructured metal is resonant in the infrared, and hence enhances the nanocrystal UPL. This strong columbic effect on energy transfer can have important implications for other fluorescent and excitonic systems too.

  15. Plasmon-enhanced energy transfer for improved upconversion of infrared radiation in doped-lanthanide nanocrystals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Qi-C; Mundoor, Haridas; Ribot, Josep C; Singh, Vivek; Smalyukh, Ivan I; Nagpal, Prashant

    2014-01-08

    Upconversion of infrared radiation into visible light has been investigated for applications in photovoltaics and biological imaging. However, low conversion efficiency due to small absorption cross-section for infrared light (Yb(3+)), and slow rate of energy transfer (to Er(3+) states) has prevented application of upconversion photoluminescence (UPL) for diffuse sunlight or imaging tissue samples. Here, we utilize resonant surface plasmon polaritons (SPP) waves to enhance UPL in doped-lanthanide nanocrystals. Our analysis indicates that SPP waves not only enhance the electromagnetic field, and hence weak Purcell effect, but also increase the rate of resonant energy transfer from Yb(3+) to Er(3+) ions by 6 fold. While we do observe strong metal mediated quenching (14-fold) of green fluorescence on flat metal surfaces, the nanostructured metal is resonant in the infrared and hence enhances the nanocrystal UPL. This strong Coulombic effect on energy transfer can have important implications for other fluorescent and excitonic systems too.

  16. Controlling lanthanide exchange in triple-stranded helicates. A way to optimize molecular light-upconversion

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zare, Davood; Nozary, Homayoun; Piguet, Claude [Department of Inorganic, Analytical and Applied Chemistry, University of Geneva (Switzerland); Suffren, Yan; Hauser, Andreas [Department of Physical Chemistry, University of Geneva (Switzerland)

    2017-11-13

    The kinetic lability of hexadentate gallium-based tripods is sufficient to ensure thermodynamic self-assembly of luminescent heterodimetallic [GaLn(L3){sub 3}]{sup 6+} helicates on the hour time scale, where Ln is a trivalent 4f-block cation. The inertness is, however, large enough for preserving the triple-helical structure when [GaLn(L3){sub 3}]{sup 6+} is exposed to lanthanide exchange. The connection of a second gallium-based tripod further slows down the exchange processes to such an extent that spectroscopically active [CrErCr(L4){sub 3}]{sup 9+} can be diluted into closed-shell [GaYGa(L4){sub 3}]{sup 9+} matrices without metal scrambling. This feature is exploited for pushing molecular-based energy-transfer upconversion (ETU) at room temperature. (copyright 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

  17. Localized surface plasmons modulated nonlinear optical processes in metal film-coupled and upconversion nanocrystals-coated nanoparticles (Conference Presentation)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lei, Dangyuan

    2016-09-01

    In the first part of this talk, I will show our experimental investigation on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of metal film-coupled nanosphere monomers and dimers both with nanometric gaps. We have developed a new methodology - polarization resolved spectral decomposition and color decoding to "visualizing" unambiguously the spectral and radiation properties of the complex plasmonic gap modes in these hybrid nanostructures. Single-particle spectroscopic measurements indicate that these hybrid nanostructures can simultaneously enhance several nonlinear optical processes, such as second harmonic generation, two-photon absorption induced luminescence, and hyper-Raman scattering. In the second part, I will show how the polarization state of the emissions from sub-10 nm upconversion nanocrystals (UCNCs) can be modulated when they form a hybrid complex with a gold nanorod (GNR). Our single-particle scattering experiments expose how an interplay between excitation polarization and GNR orientation gives rise to an extraordinary polarized nature of the upconversion emissions from an individual hybrid nanostructure. We support our results by numerical simulations and, using Förster resonance energy transfer theory, we uncover how an overlap between the UCNC emission and GNR extinction bands as well as the mutual orientation between emission and plasmonic dipoles jointly determine the polarization state of the UC emissions.

  18. Receptor-Targeted Luminescent Silver Bionanoparticles

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Bunschoten, Anton; Chin, Patrick T.K.; Buckle, Tessa; Linden, van der Marte; Barendregt, Arjan; Verheijen, Marcel A.; Leeuwen, van Fijs W.B.

    2016-01-01

    Luminescent Ag nanoclusters (Ag-NC) provide the next generation in bionanoparticles, wherein the luminescence (650 nm) and large Stokes shift of these inorganic nanoclusters are favorable for biological imaging. By combining these characteristics with those of human serum albumin (HSA; a protein

  19. Enhancing solar cell efficiency: the search for luminescent materials as spectral converters.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Xiaoyong; Han, Sanyang; Huang, Wei; Liu, Xiaogang

    2013-01-07

    Photovoltaic (PV) technologies for solar energy conversion represent promising routes to green and renewable energy generation. Despite relevant PV technologies being available for more than half a century, the production of solar energy remains costly, largely owing to low power conversion efficiencies of solar cells. The main difficulty in improving the efficiency of PV energy conversion lies in the spectral mismatch between the energy distribution of photons in the incident solar spectrum and the bandgap of a semiconductor material. In recent years, luminescent materials, which are capable of converting a broad spectrum of light into photons of a particular wavelength, have been synthesized and used to minimize the losses in the solar-cell-based energy conversion process. In this review, we will survey recent progress in the development of spectral converters, with a particular emphasis on lanthanide-based upconversion, quantum-cutting and down-shifting materials, for PV applications. In addition, we will also present technical challenges that arise in developing cost-effective high-performance solar cells based on these luminescent materials.

  20. Cerenkov luminescence imaging of medical isotopes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ruggiero, Alessandro; Holland, Jason P; Lewis, Jason S; Grimm, Jan

    2010-07-01

    The development of novel multimodality imaging agents and techniques represents the current frontier of research in the field of medical imaging science. However, the combination of nuclear tomography with optical techniques has yet to be established. Here, we report the use of the inherent optical emissions from the decay of radiopharmaceuticals for Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) of tumors in vivo and correlate the results with those obtained from concordant immuno-PET studies. In vitro phantom studies were used to validate the visible light emission observed from a range of radionuclides including the positron emitters (18)F, (64)Cu, (89)Zr, and (124)I; beta-emitter (131)I; and alpha-particle emitter (225)Ac for potential use in CLI. The novel radiolabeled monoclonal antibody (89)Zr-desferrioxamine B [DFO]-J591 for immuno-PET of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) expression was used to coregister and correlate the CLI signal observed with the immuno-PET images and biodistribution studies. Phantom studies confirmed that Cerenkov radiation can be observed from a range of positron-, beta-, and alpha-emitting radionuclides using standard optical imaging devices. The change in light emission intensity versus time was concordant with radionuclide decay and was also found to correlate linearly with both the activity concentration and the measured PET signal (percentage injected dose per gram). In vivo studies conducted in male severe combined immune deficient mice bearing PSMA-positive, subcutaneous LNCaP tumors demonstrated that tumor-specific uptake of (89)Zr-DFO-J591 could be visualized by both immuno-PET and CLI. Optical and immuno-PET signal intensities were found to increase over time from 24 to 96 h, and biodistribution studies were found to correlate well with both imaging modalities. These studies represent the first, to our knowledge, quantitative assessment of CLI for measuring radiotracer uptake in vivo. Many radionuclides common to both nuclear

  1. Photoswitching of triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion with photo-generated radical from hexaphenylbiimidazole

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mahmood, Zafar [State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024 (China); Toffoletti, Antonio [Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo, 1, 35131 Padova (Italy); Zhao, Jianzhang, E-mail: zhaojzh@dlut.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024 (China); Barbon, Antonio, E-mail: antonio.barbon@unipd.it [Dipartimento di Scienze Chimiche, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Marzolo, 1, 35131 Padova (Italy)

    2017-03-15

    Photoirradiation generated radical from hexaphenyl-biimidazole (HPBI) was used for reversible switching of triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) upconversion, based on quenching of the photosensitizer triplet state by radical-triplet pair mechanism. Upon 365 nm irradiation, the TTA upconversion in a system composed by a boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) derivative and perylene, was completely switched off due to quenching of triplet state of photosensitizer by photogenerated radical from HPBI. The upconversion was recovered after leaving the samples in darkness, due to regeneration of HPBI Dimer. The photophysical process involved in the photochromism and photoswitching of TTA upconversion were studied with steady-state UV–vis absorption spectroscopy, nanosecond transient absorption spectroscopy and EPR spectroscopy. - Graphical abstract: Radical-switched TTA upconversion was achieved with reversible quenching of the triplet state by photo-generated stable organic radical from photochromic hexaphenylbiimidazole.

  2. Optical imaging of luminescence for in vivo quantification of gene electrotransfer in mouse muscle and knee

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Scherman D

    2006-03-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Optical imaging is an attractive non-invasive way to evaluate the expression of a transferred DNA, mainly thanks to its lower cost and ease of realization. In this study optical imaging was evaluated for monitoring and quantification of the mouse knee joint and tibial cranial muscle electrotransfer of a luciferase encoding plasmid. Optical imaging was applied to study the kinetics of luciferase expression in both tissues. Results The substrate of luciferase (luciferin was injected either intraperitonealy (i.p. or in situ into the muscle or the knee joint. Luminescence resulting from the luciferase-luciferin reaction was measured in vivo with a cooled CCD camera and/or in vitro on tissue lysate. Maximal luminescence of the knee joint and muscle after i.p. (2.5 mg or local injection of luciferin (50 μg in the knee joint, 100 μg in the muscle were highly correlated. With the local injection procedure adopted, in vivo and in vitro luminescences measured on the same muscles significantly correlated. Luminescence measurements were reproducible and the signal level was proportional to the amount of plasmid injected. In vivo luciferase activity in the electrotransfered knee joint was detected for two weeks. Intramuscular electrotransfer of 0.3 or 3 μg of plasmid led to stable luciferase expression for 62 days, whereas injecting 30 μg of plasmid resulted in a drop of luminescence three weeks after electrotransfer. These decreases were partially associated with the development of an immune response. Conclusion A particular advantage of the i.p. injection of substrate is a widespread distribution at luciferase production sites. We have also highlighted advantages of local injection as a more sensitive detection method with reduced substrate consumption. Besides, this route of injection is relatively free of uncontrolled parameters, such as diffusion to the target organ, crossing of biological barriers and evidencing variations in

  3. Hydrothermal synthesis of superparamagnetic and red luminescent bifunctional Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@Mn{sup 2+}-doped NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Er core@shell monodisperse nanoparticles and their subsequent ligand exchange in water

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Qin, Zhenli; Du, Sinan; Luo, Yang; Liao, Zhijian; Zuo, Fang, E-mail: polymerzf@swun.cn; Luo, Jianbin; Liu, Dong

    2016-08-15

    Graphical abstract: An efficient hydrothermal method was used to fabricate the superparamagnetic and red luminescent bifunctional Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@Mn{sup 2(*)+}-doped NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Er nanoparticles (NPs) with core@shell structures through a seed-growth procedure. Then using PEG phosphate ligand to displace oleate from the as-synthesized NPs, hydrophilic Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@Mn{sup 2+}-doped NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Er NPs with good water solubility are obtained. - Highlights: • Homogeneous size distribution of magnetic-upconversion core@shell structured nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized. • The core@shell nanostructures were obtained by seed-growth method. • The oleic acid coated Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs were used as seeds and cores. • The magnetic-upconversion NPs emitted red luminescence under a 980 nm laser. • Synthesized magnetic-upconversion NPs were phase transferred using ligand exchange process. - Abstract: We report the use of an efficient hydrothermal method to synthesize superparamagnetic and red luminescent bifunctional Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@Mn{sup 2+}-doped NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Er nanoparticles (NPs) with core@shell structures via a seed-growth procedure. Oleic acid coated Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} (OA-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}) NPs were initially synthesized using a coprecipitation method. The as-synthesized OA-Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} NPs were then used as seeds, on which the red upconversion luminescent shell (Mn{sup 2+}-doped NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Er) was formed. Furthermore, hydrophobic to hydrophilic surface modification of the Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4}@Mn{sup 2+}-doped NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Er NPs was achieved via a ligand exchange method where oleic acid was displaced by a PEG phosphate ligand [PEG = poly(ethylene glycol)]. These materials were characterized by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). The Fe{sub 3}O{sub 4} cores were uniformly coated with a Mn{sup 2+}-doped NaYF{sub 4}:Yb

  4. Ultrabright planar optodes for luminescence life-time based microscopic imaging of O2 dynamics in biofilms

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Staal, Marc Jaap; Borisov, S M; Rickelt, L F

    2011-01-01

    New transparent optodes for life-time based microscopic imaging of O2 were developed by spin-coating a µm-thin layer of a highly luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) coumarin complex in polystyrene onto glass cover slips. Compared to similar thin-film O2 optodes based on a ruthenium(II) polypy......New transparent optodes for life-time based microscopic imaging of O2 were developed by spin-coating a µm-thin layer of a highly luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) coumarin complex in polystyrene onto glass cover slips. Compared to similar thin-film O2 optodes based on a ruthenium...

  5. Photon upconversion towards applications in energy conversion and bioimaging

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Qi-C.; Ding, Yuchen C.; Sagar, Dodderi M.; Nagpal, Prashant

    2017-12-01

    The field of plasmonics can play an important role in developing novel devices for application in energy and healthcare. In this review article, we consider the progress made in design and fabrication of upconverting nanoparticles and metal nanostructures for precisely manipulating light photons, with a wavelength of several hundred nanometers, at nanometer length scales, and describe how to tailor their interactions with molecules and surfaces so that two or more lower energy photons can be used to generate a single higher energy photon in a process called photon upconversion. This review begins by introducing the current state-of-the-art in upconverting nanoparticle synthesis and achievements in color tuning and upconversion enhancement. Through understanding and tailoring physical processes, color tuning and strong upconversion enhancement have been demonstrated by coupling with surface plasmon polariton waves, especially for low intensity or diffuse infrared radiation. Since more than 30% of incident sunlight is not utilized in most photovoltaic cells, this photon upconversion is one of the promising approaches to break the so-called Shockley-Queisser thermodynamic limit for a single junction solar cell. Furthermore, since the low energy photons typically cover the biological window of optical transparency, this approach can also be particularly beneficial for novel biosensing and bioimaging techniques. Taken together, the recent research boosts the applications of photon upconversion using designed metal nanostructures and nanoparticles for green energy, bioimaging, and therapy.

  6. Upconversion and tribological properties of β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Er film synthesized on silicon substrate

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang, Chuanying [School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); Cheng, Xianhua, E-mail: xhcheng@sjtu.edu.cn [School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000 (China)

    2016-05-15

    Highlights: • β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Er upconversion (UC) film was synthesized on silicon substrate. • Tribological test was used to qualitatively evaluate the adhesion of the UC film. • The UC film was combined with Si substrate by covalent chemical bonds. • The method used in this work can be applicable for other UC films. - Abstract: In this work, β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Er upconversion (UC) film was successfully prepared on silicon (Si) substrate via self-assemble method for the first time. The chemical composition and surface morphology of the UC film were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), water contact angle (WCA), X-ray power diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) measurements. To investigate the effects of KH-560 primer film and chemical reactions on the UC luminescence properties of β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Er UC film, decay profiles of the 540 nm and 655 nm radiations were measured. Furthermore, tribological test was applied to qualitatively evaluate the adhesion of the UC film. The results indicate that the UC film has been successfully prepared on Si substrate by covalent chemical bonds. This work provides a facile way to synthesize β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Er UC film with robust adhesion to the substrate, which can be applicable for other UC films.

  7. An upconversion nanoparticle - Zinc phthalocyanine based nanophotosensitizer for photodynamic therapy

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Xia, L.; Kong, X.; Liu, X.; Tu, L.; Zhang, Y.; Chang, Y.; Liu, K.; Shen, D.; Zhao, H.; Zhang, H.

    2014-01-01

    Recent advances in NIR triggering upconversion-based photodynamic therapy have led to substantial improvements in upconversion-based nanophotosensitizers. How to obtain the high efficiency of singlet oxygen generation under low 980 nm radiation dosage still remains a challenge. A highly efficient

  8. Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency Using Photon Upconversion Materials.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shang, Yunfei; Hao, Shuwei; Yang, Chunhui; Chen, Guanying

    2015-10-27

    Photovoltaic cells are able to convert sunlight into electricity, providing enough of the most abundant and cleanest energy to cover our energy needs. However, the efficiency of current photovoltaics is significantly impeded by the transmission loss of sub-band-gap photons. Photon upconversion is a promising route to circumvent this problem by converting these transmitted sub-band-gap photons into above-band-gap light, where solar cells typically have high quantum efficiency. Here, we summarize recent progress on varying types of efficient upconversion materials as well as their outstanding uses in a series of solar cells, including silicon solar cells (crystalline and amorphous), gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, and other types of solar cells. The challenge and prospect of upconversion materials for photovoltaic applications are also discussed.

  9. Enhancing Solar Cell Efficiency Using Photon Upconversion Materials

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yunfei Shang

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available Photovoltaic cells are able to convert sunlight into electricity, providing enough of the most abundant and cleanest energy to cover our energy needs. However, the efficiency of current photovoltaics is significantly impeded by the transmission loss of sub-band-gap photons. Photon upconversion is a promising route to circumvent this problem by converting these transmitted sub-band-gap photons into above-band-gap light, where solar cells typically have high quantum efficiency. Here, we summarize recent progress on varying types of efficient upconversion materials as well as their outstanding uses in a series of solar cells, including silicon solar cells (crystalline and amorphous, gallium arsenide (GaAs solar cells, dye-sensitized solar cells, and other types of solar cells. The challenge and prospect of upconversion materials for photovoltaic applications are also discussed

  10. Pixel-based parametric source depth map for Cerenkov luminescence imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Altabella, L.; Spinelli, A.E.; Boschi, F.

    2016-01-01

    Optical tomography represents a challenging problem in optical imaging because of the intrinsically ill-posed inverse problem due to photon diffusion. Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) for optical photons produced in tissues by several radionuclides (i.e.: 32P, 18F, 90Y), has been investigated using both 3D multispectral approach and multiviews methods. Difficult in convergence of 3D algorithms can discourage to use this technique to have information of depth and intensity of source. For these reasons, we developed a faster 2D corrected approach based on multispectral acquisitions, to obtain source depth and its intensity using a pixel-based fitting of source intensity. Monte Carlo simulations and experimental data were used to develop and validate the method to obtain the parametric map of source depth. With this approach we obtain parametric source depth maps with a precision between 3% and 7% for MC simulation and 5–6% for experimental data. Using this method we are able to obtain reliable information about the source depth of Cerenkov luminescence with a simple and flexible procedure

  11. 3D Rare earth porous coordination frameworks with formamide generated in situ syntheses: Crystal structure and down- and up-conversion luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ma, Xue [Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048 (China); Tian, Jing [Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048 (China); Experiment and Teaching Resource Management Centre, Yibin University, Yibin, 644000 (China); Yang, Hong-Y.; Zhao, Kai [Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048 (China); Li, Xia, E-mail: xiali@mail.cnu.edu.cn [Department of Chemistry, Capital Normal University, Beijing 100048 (China)

    2013-05-01

    The reaction of RE(NO)₃·6H₂O and formamide yielded the coordination polymers, [RE(HCOO)₄]⁻[NH₂CHNH₂]⁺ (RE=Y 1, Eu 2, Gd 3, Tb 4, Dy 5, Er 6, and Yb 7). They possess 3D porous frameworks with the 1D rhombic channels occupied by [NH₂CHNH₂]⁺ cations. Complexes 2 and 4 display the characteristic down-conversion emissions corresponding to ⁵D₀→⁷FJ (J=1–4) transitions of Eu(III) ion and ⁵D₄→⁷FJ (J=6–3) transitions of Tb(III) ion, respectively. Longer lifetime values of 2.128±0.002 ms (⁵D₀) for 2 and 2.132±0.002 ms (⁵D₄) for 4 have been observed. The up-conversion spectra of the Y:Yb,Er and Gd:Yb,Er codoped complexes exhibit three emission bands around 410 (⁴H9/2→⁴I15/2, blue), 518–570 (⁴S3/2, ²H11/2→⁴I15/2, green), and 655 nm (⁴F9/2→⁴I15/2, red). - Graphical Abstract: The complexes [RE(HCOO)₄]⁻[NH₂CHNH₂]⁺ possess 3D porous frameworks. Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes show characteristic emission of Ln(III) ions. The up-conversion emission of the Y:Yb,Er and Gd:Yb,Er codoped complexes was observed. Highlights: •The reaction of RE(NO)₃·6H₂O and formamide produced complexes [RE(HCOO)₄]⁻[NH₂CHNH₂]⁺. • The complexes possess 3D frameworks with the 1D channels occupied by [NH₂CHNH₂]+ cations. • Eu(III)/Tb(III) complexes display the characteristic down-conversion emission of Ln(III) ions. • The Y:Yb,Er and Gd:Yb,Er doped complexes exhibit the up-conversion emission.

  12. Up-conversion mechanisms in Er{sup 3+} doped YbAG crystals

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kaczkan, Marcin; Borowska, Maja [Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics PW, Warsaw (Poland); Malinowski, Michal [Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics PW, Warsaw (Poland); Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Warsaw (Poland); Lukasiewicz, Tadeusz; Kolodziejak, Katarzyna [Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Warsaw (Poland)

    2009-07-15

    Up-conversion phenomena leading to the red, green and violet emissions in erbium doped ytterbium-aluminum garnet (YbAG) are investigated. Absorption and emission spectra and luminescence dynamics from various excited states of YbAG:Er{sup 3+} were registered. The low temperature absorption spectra were used to determine Stark levels energies of Er{sup 3+} ion in the investigated host. Emissions from the high lying excited states {sup 2}G{sub 9/2}, {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} of Er{sup 3+} were characterized under pulsed multi-photon IR excitation in the region of wavelength corresponding to the strong {sup 2}F{sub 7/2} {yields} {sup 2}F{sub 5/2} absorption transition of Yb{sup 3+} ions. Using the rate equations formalism the dynamics of the observed emissions were modeled. From the comparison of the measured and calculated decays the energy transfer rates between Yb{sup 3+} and Er{sup 3+} ions were evaluated. (copyright 2009 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

  13. Aqueous phase synthesis of upconversion nanocrystals through layer-by-layer epitaxial growth for in vivo X-ray computed tomography

    KAUST Repository

    Li, Feifei; Li, Chunguang; Liu, Jianhua; Liu, Xiaomin; Zhao, Lan; Bai, Tianyu; Yuan, Qinghai; Kong, Xianggui; Han, Yu; Shi, Zhan; Feng, Shouhua

    2013-01-01

    Lanthanide-doped core-shell upconversion nanocrystals (UCNCs) have tremendous potential for applications in many fields, especially in bio-imaging and medical therapy. As core-shell UCNCs are mostly synthesized in organic solvents, tedious organic

  14. Upconversion improvement in KLaF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} nanoparticles by doping Al{sup 3+} ions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhou, Haifang [Fuzhou University, School of Physics and Information Engineering, and Institute of Micro-Nano Devices and Solar Cells, Fuzhou (China); Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Photovoltaic Science and Engineering, Changzhou, Jiangsu (China); Wang, Xiechun; Lai, Yunfeng; Cheng, Shuying; Zheng, Qiao; Yu, Jinlin [Fuzhou University, School of Physics and Information Engineering, and Institute of Micro-Nano Devices and Solar Cells, Fuzhou (China)

    2017-10-15

    Rare-earth ion-doped upconversion (UC) materials show great potential applications in optical and optoelectronic devices due to their novel optical properties. In this work, hexagonal KLaF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method, and remarkably enhanced upconversion luminescence in green and red emission bands in KLaF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} NPs has been achieved by doping Al{sup 3+} ions under 980 nm excitation. Compared to the aluminum-free KLaF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} NPs sample, the UC fluorescence intensities of the green and red emissions of NPs doped with 10 at.% Al{sup 3+} ions were significantly enhanced by 5.9 and 7.3 times, respectively. Longer lifetimes of the doped samples were observed for the {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} state and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} state. The underlying reason for the UC enhancement by doping Al{sup 3+} ions was mainly ascribed to distortion of the local symmetry around Er{sup 3+} ions and adsorption reduction of organic ligands on the surface of NPs. In addition, the influence of doping Al{sup 3+} ions on the structure and morphology of the NPs samples was also discussed. (orig.)

  15. Soft X-ray imaging by optically stimulated luminescence from color centers in lithium fluoride

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bonfigli, F. [ENEA, C.R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi, 45, 00044 Frascati (Rome) (Italy)], E-mail: bonfigli@frascati.enea.it; Almaviva, S.; Baldacchini, G.; Bollanti, S.; Flora, F.; Lai, A.; Montereali, R.M. [ENEA, C.R. Frascati, Via E. Fermi, 45, 00044 Frascati (Rome) (Italy); Nichelatti, E. [ENEA, C.R. Casaccia, Via Anguillarese 301, 00060 S.Maria di Galeria (Rome) (Italy); Tomassetti, G.; Ritucci, A.; Reale, L. [Universita de L' Aquila e INFN, Dip. di Fisica, Coppito, L' Aquila (Italy); Faenov, A. Ya.; Pikuz, T.A. [MISDC of VNIIFTRI Mendeleevo, Moscow region, 141570 (Russian Federation); Larciprete, R. [ISC-CNR, Sezione Montelibretti, Via Salaria, Km. 29.3, 00016 Monterotondo Scalo (Rome) (Italy); Gregoratti, L.; Kiskinova, M. [Sincrotrone Trieste, S. S. 14, Km. 163.5, 34012 Basovizza (TS) (Italy)

    2007-07-15

    An innovative X-ray imaging detector based on Optically Stimulated Luminescence from color centers in lithium fluoride is presented. Regular photoluminescent patterns produced on LiF samples by different intense X-ray sources, like synchrotrons, laser plasma sources and a capillary discharge laser have been investigated by a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope. The use of a LiF-based imaging plate for X-ray microscopy is also discussed showing microradiographies of small animals.

  16. Parametric study of up-conversion efficiency in Er-doped ceria nanoparticles under 780 nm excitation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shehata, N.; Kandas, I.; Samir, E.; Meehan, K.; Aldacher, M.

    2016-01-01

    This paper presents a new parametric study of the optical up-conversion process in ceria nanoparticles doped with erbium (Er-CeO 2 NPs). Under 780 nm excitation, both the possible transitions that occur between Er 3+ ions and up-conversion rate model simulation are presented. Ceria nanoparticles (CeO 2 NPs) doped with erbium are experimentally synthesized using chemical precipitation technique with post-annealing up to 900 °C with different weight ratios of erbium dopant. We found that the synthesized nanoparticles can emit both green and red emissions under 780 nm laser excitation via two-photon absorption mechanism. Then, the quantum efficiencies of both colored emissions are theoretically investigated with different parameters related to the optical conversion process and the studied material. In addition, this work offer suggested ranges for the optimum values of the studied parameters which could improve the quantum yield efficiency. Einstein coefficients for erbium hosted in ceria are discussed in details using Judd–Ofelt analysis. This promising study could be helpful in improving the up-conversion efficiency of Er-ceria nanoparticles for applications such as bio-imaging and optical-based sensors.

  17. Simultaneous aptasensor for multiplex pathogenic bacteria detection based on multicolor upconversion nanoparticles labels.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wu, Shijia; Duan, Nuo; Shi, Zhao; Fang, Congcong; Wang, Zhouping

    2014-03-18

    A highly sensitive and specific multiplex method for the simultaneous detection of three pathogenic bacteria was fabricated using multicolor upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as luminescence labels coupled with aptamers as the molecular recognition elements. Multicolor UCNPs were synthesized via doping with various rare-earth ions to obtain well-separated emission peaks. The aptamer sequences were selected using the systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy for Staphylococcus aureus, Vibrio parahemolyticus, and Salmonella typhimurium. When applied in this method, aptamers can be used for the specific recognition of the bacteria from complex mixtures, including those found in real food matrixes. Aptamers and multicolor UCNPs were employed to selectively capture and simultaneously quantify the three target bacteria on the basis of the independent peaks. Under optimal conditions, the correlation between the concentration of three bacteria and the luminescence signal was found to be linear from 50-10(6) cfu mL(-1). Improved by the magnetic separation and concentration effect of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles, the limits of detection of the developed method were found to be 25, 10, and 15 cfu mL(-1) for S. aureus, V. parahemolyticus, and S. typhimurium, respectively. The capability of the bioassay in real food samples was also investigated, and the results were consistent with experimental results obtained from plate-counting methods. This proposed method for the detection of various pathogenic bacteria based on multicolor UCNPs has great potential in the application of food safety and multiplex nanosensors.

  18. Investigation of upconversion luminescence in antimony–germanate double-clad two cores optical fiber co-doped with Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} ions

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zmojda, J.; Kochanowicz, M.; Miluski, P.; Dorosz, J. [Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45 Street, 15-351 Bialystok (Poland); Pisarska, J.; Pisarski, W.A. [Institute of Chemistry, University of Silesia, Szkolna 9, 40-007 Katowice (Poland); Dorosz, D., E-mail: d.dorosz@pb.edu.pl [Bialystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45 Street, 15-351 Bialystok (Poland)

    2016-02-15

    In the paper double-clad optical fiber with two off-set cores co-doped with 1Yb{sub 2}O{sub 3}–0.1Tm{sub 2}O{sub 3} and 1Yb{sub 2}O{sub 3}–0.5Ho{sub 2}O{sub 3} has been investigated. Antimony–germanate glass was melted as a matrix for active cores. The concentration of lanthanides and their ratio have been optimized to achieve maximum upconversion emission intensity at 478 nm ({sup 1}G{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 6}) and 650 nm ({sup 1}G{sub 4}→{sup 3}F{sub 4}) in glasses doped with Tm{sup 3+} ions and 545 nm and 655 nm, corresponding to the {sup 5}F{sub 5}→{sup 5}I{sub 8} and {sup 5}F{sub 4}→{sup 5}I{sub 8} transitions in holmium ions. The energy transfer efficiency in glasses used as optical fiber cores was η{sub Tm}=56% (0.1 mol% Tm{sub 2}O{sub 3}) and η{sub Ho}=85% (0.5 mol% Ho{sub 2}O{sub 3}), respectively. As a result of excitation of the fabricated optical fiber (λ{sub exc}=976 nm), a UC luminescence spectra was obtained. Superposition of three emission bands at the wavelengths of 481 nm (Tm{sup 3+}: blue), 545 nm (Ho{sup 3+}:green) and 665 nm (Tm{sup 3+}, Ho{sup 3+}: red) from two separated cores was measured. Influence of fiber length and excitation power on the color coordinates (CIE-1931) have been also investigated. - Highlights: • Antimony-germanate glasses co-doped with Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} were presented. • UC luminescence in double-clad, two off-set core co-doped with Yb{sup 3+}/Tm{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+}/Ho{sup 3+} optical fiber was presented. • The chromatic coordinates shift in the blue region at CIE scheme as a function of pump power and length of optical fiber was observed.

  19. Infrared to visible image up-conversion using optically addressed spatial light modulator utilizing liquid crystal and InGaAs photodiodes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Solodar, A., E-mail: asisolodar@gmail.com; Arun Kumar, T.; Sarusi, G.; Abdulhalim, I. [Department of Electro-Optics Engineering and The Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105 (Israel)

    2016-01-11

    Combination of InGaAs/InP heterojunction photodetector with nematic liquid crystal (LC) as the electro-optic modulating material for optically addressed spatial light modulator for short wavelength infra-red (SWIR) to visible light image conversion was designed, fabricated, and tested. The photodetector layer is composed of 640 × 512 photodiodes array based on heterojunction InP/InGaAs having 15 μm pitch on InP substrate and with backside illumination architecture. The photodiodes exhibit extremely low, dark current at room temperature, with optimum photo-response in the SWIR region. The photocurrent generated in the heterojunction, due to the SWIR photons absorption, is drifted to the surface of the InP, thus modulating the electric field distribution which modifies the orientation of the LC molecules. This device can be attractive for SWIR to visible image upconversion, such as for uncooled night vision goggles under low ambient light conditions.

  20. Investigations on luminescence behavior of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped boro-tellurite glasses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Maheshvaran, K.; Arunkumar, S.; Venkata Krishnaiah, K.; Marimuthu, K.

    2015-01-01

    Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped boro-tellurite glasses with the chemical composition 30TeO2+(24 - x)B2O3 + 15SrO + 10BaO + 10Li2O + 10LiF + 1Er2O3 + xYb2O3 (where x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 in wt%) have been prepared and their luminescence behavior were studied and reported. Absorption spectral measurements have been used to derive the Judd-Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters from the experimental and calculated oscillator strength values following the JO theory. The various lasing parameters such as stimulated emission cross-section (σEp), experimental and calculated branching ratios (βR) and radiative lifetime (τcal) for the 2H9/2 → 4I15/2, 4S3/2 → 4I15/2 and 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 emission transitions were determined using the JO intensity parameters. The absorption and emission cross-section values for the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 emission band have been calculated using McCumbar theory and the Gain cross-section for the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 emission transition also obtained. The upconversion emission mechanism have been studied through various energy transfer processes and the intensity of the upconversion emission transitions are found to increase with the increase in Yb3+ ion concentration. The luminescence decay curves corresponding to the 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 transition of the Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped boro-tellurite glasses under 980 nm excitation wavelength have also been studied and reported in the present work.

  1. Monte Carlo simulations of homogeneous upconversion in erbium-doped silica glasses

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Philipsen, Jacob Lundgreen; Bjarklev, Anders Overgaard

    1997-01-01

    Quenching of Er3+ ions by homogeneous energy-transfer upconversion in high-concentration erbium-doped silica glasses has been theoretically investigated, The results indicate that at Er3+ concentrations of 1.0-2.0·1026 m-3 or below, the kinetic limit of strong migration is not reached, and hence...... the widely accepted quadratic upconversion model is not generally valid. Nevertheless, the results offer an explanation of the experimental observations of quadratic upconversion. Furthermore, it has been shown that at a given population inversion, the quenching rate depends on the rate of exchange...

  2. Multifunctional hydroxyapatite/Na(Y/Gd)F4:Yb3+,Er3+ composite fibers for drug delivery and dual modal imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Min; Liu, Hui; Sun, Shufen; Li, Xuejiao; Zhou, Yanmin; Hou, Zhiyao; Lin, Jun

    2014-02-04

    Porous hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite fibers functionalized with up-conversion (UC) luminescent and magnetic Na(Y/Gd)F4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) nanocrystals (NCs) have been fabricated via electrospinning. After transferring hydrophobic oleic acid-capped Na(Y/Gd)F4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) NCs into aqueous solution, these water-dispersible NCs were dispersed into precursor electrospun solution containing CTAB. Na(Y/Gd)F4:Yb(3+),Er(3+)@HAp composite fibers were fabricated by the high temperature treatment of the electrospun Na(Y/Gd)F4:Yb(3+),Er(3+) NCs decorated precursor fibers. The biocompatibility test on MC 3T3-E1 cells using MTT assay shows that the HAp composite fibers have negligible cytotoxity, which reveals the HAp composite fibers could be a drug carrier for drug delivery. Because the contrast brightening is enhanced at increased concentrations of Gd(3+), the HAp composite fibers can serve as T1 magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents. In addition, the composites uptaken by MC 3T3-E1 cells present the UC luminescent emission of Er(3+) under the excitation of a 980 nm near-infrared laser. The above findings reveal Na(Y/Gd)F4:Yb(3+),Er(3+)@HAp composite fibers have potential applications in drug storage/release and magnetic resonance/UC luminescence imaging.

  3. Compact blue laser devices based on nonlinear frequency upconversion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Risk, W.P.

    1989-01-01

    This paper reports how miniature sources of coherent blue radiation can be produced by using nonlinear optical materials for frequency upconversion of the infrared radiation emitted by laser diodes. Direct upconversion of laser diode radiation is possible, but there are several advantages to using the diode laser to pump a solid-state laser which is then upconverted. In either case, the challenge is to find combinations of nonlinear materials and laser for efficient frequency upconversion. Several examples have been demonstrated. These include intracavity frequency doubling of a diode-pumped 946-nm Nd:YAG laser, intracavity frequency mixing of a 809-nm GaAlAs laser diode with a diode- pumped 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser, and direct frequency doubling of a 994-nm strained-layer InGaAs laser diode

  4. ``Smart'' theranostic lanthanide nanoprobes with simultaneous up-conversion fluorescence and tunable T1-T2 magnetic resonance imaging contrast and near-infrared activated photodynamic therapy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Yan; Das, Gautom Kumar; Vijayaragavan, Vimalan; Xu, Qing Chi; Padmanabhan, Parasuraman; Bhakoo, Kishore K.; Tamil Selvan, Subramanian; Tan, Timothy Thatt Yang

    2014-10-01

    The current work reports a type of ``smart'' lanthanide-based theranostic nanoprobe, NaDyF4:Yb3+/NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+, which is able to circumvent the up-converting poisoning effect of Dy3+ ions to give efficient near infrared (980 nm) triggered up-conversion fluorescence, and offers not only excellent dark T2-weighted MR contrast but also tunable bright and T1-weighted MR contrast properties. Due to the efficient up-converted energy transfer from the nanocrystals to chlorin e6 (Ce6) photosensitizers loaded onto the nanocrystals, cytotoxic singlet oxygen was generated and photodynamic therapy was demonstrated. Therefore, the current multifunctional nanocrystals could be potentially useful in various image-guided diagnoses where bright or dark MRI contrast could be selectively tuned to optimize image quality, but also as an efficient and more penetrative near-infrared activated photodynamic therapy agent.The current work reports a type of ``smart'' lanthanide-based theranostic nanoprobe, NaDyF4:Yb3+/NaGdF4:Yb3+,Er3+, which is able to circumvent the up-converting poisoning effect of Dy3+ ions to give efficient near infrared (980 nm) triggered up-conversion fluorescence, and offers not only excellent dark T2-weighted MR contrast but also tunable bright and T1-weighted MR contrast properties. Due to the efficient up-converted energy transfer from the nanocrystals to chlorin e6 (Ce6) photosensitizers loaded onto the nanocrystals, cytotoxic singlet oxygen was generated and photodynamic therapy was demonstrated. Therefore, the current multifunctional nanocrystals could be potentially useful in various image-guided diagnoses where bright or dark MRI contrast could be selectively tuned to optimize image quality, but also as an efficient and more penetrative near-infrared activated photodynamic therapy agent. Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c4nr01717j

  5. Phosphorus and Cu2+ removal by periphytic biofilm stimulated by upconversion phosphors doped with Pr3+-Li.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Yan; Zhang, Jianhong; Zhu, Ningyuan; Tang, Jun; Liu, Junzhuo; Sun, Pengfei; Wu, Yonghong; Wong, Po Keung

    2018-01-01

    Upconversion phosphors (UCPs) can convert visible light into luminescence, such as UV, which can regulate the growth of microbes. Based on these fundamentals, the community composition of periphytic biofilms stimulated by UCPs doped with Pr 3+ -Li + was proposed to augment the removal of phosphorus (P) and copper (Cu). Results showed that the biofilms with community composition optimized by UCPs doped with Pr 3+ -Li + had high P and Cu 2+ removal rates. This was partly due to overall bacterial and algal abundance and biomass increases. The synergistic actions of algal, bacterial biomass and carbon metabolic capacity in the Pr-Li stimulated biofilms facilitated the removal of P and Cu 2+ . The results show that the stimulation of periphytic biofilms by lanthanide-doped UCPs is a promising approach for augmenting P and Cu 2+ removal. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. A Novel Approach to Synthesise a Dual-Mode Luminescent Composite Pigment for Uncloneable High-Security Codes to Combat Counterfeiting.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kanika; Kumar, Pawan; Singh, Satbir; Gupta, Bipin Kumar

    2017-12-01

    A strategy is demonstrated to protect valuable items, such as currency, pharmaceuticals, important documents, etc. against counterfeiting, by marking them with luminescent security codes. These luminescent security codes were printed by employing luminescent ink formulated from a cost effective dual-mode luminescent composite pigment of Gd 1.7 Yb 0.2 Er 0.1 O 3 and Zn 0.98 Mn 0.02 S phosphors using commercially available PVC Gold medium. In the composite, Gd 1.7 Yb 0.2 Er 0.1 O 3 and Zn 0.98 Mn 0.02 S account for upconversion and downconversion processes, respectively. The synthesis procedure of the composite involves the admixing of Gd 1.7 Yb 0.2 Er 0.1 O 3 nanorods and Zn 0.98 Mn 0.02 S phosphor, synthesised by hydrothermal and facile solid-state reaction methods, respectively. The structural, morphological, microstructural, and photoluminescent features of Gd 1.7 Yb 0.2 Er 0.1 O 3 nanorods, Zn 0.98 Mn 0.02 S phosphor and composite were characterised by using XRD, SEM, TEM, and photoluminescence (PL) techniques, respectively. The distribution of PL intensity of the printed pattern was examined by using confocal PL mapping microscopy. The obtained results reveal that security codes printed using ink formulated from this bi-luminescent composite pigment provide dual-stage security against counterfeiting. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  7. The spatially resolved characterisation of Egyptian blue, Han blue and Han purple by photo-induced luminescence digital imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Verri, G

    2009-06-01

    The photo-induced luminescence properties of Egyptian blue, Han blue and Han purple were investigated by means of near-infrared digital imaging. These pigments emit infrared radiation when excited in the visible range. The emission can be recorded by means of a modified commercial digital camera equipped with suitable glass filters. A variety of visible light sources were investigated to test their ability to excite luminescence in the pigments. Light-emitting diodes, which do not emit stray infrared radiation, proved an excellent source for the excitation of luminescence in all three compounds. In general, the use of visible radiation emitters with low emission in the infrared range allowed the presence of the pigments to be determined and their distribution to be spatially resolved. This qualitative imaging technique can be easily applied in situ for a rapid characterisation of materials. The results were compared to those for Egyptian green and for historical and modern blue pigments. Examples of the application of the technique on polychrome works of art are presented.

  8. Multicolor upconversion emission of dispersed ultrasmall cubic Sr2LuF7 nanocrystals synthesized by a solvothermal process

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Gong, Lunjun; Ma, Mo; Xu, Changfu; Li, Xujun; Wang, Suiping; Lin, Jianguo; Yang, Qibin

    2013-01-01

    Lanthanide (Ln 3+ ) doped Sr 2 LuF 7 (Ln 3+ =Er 3+ /Tm 3+ /Yb 3+ ) nanocrystals (NCs) were synthesized via a solvothermal process using oleate as stabilizing agent. The as-synthesized NCs with a mean diameter of sub-20 nm can be well dispersed in cyclohexane and show a pure cubic phase structure with space group Fm3 ¯ m. Following appropriate lanthanide ion doping, the NCs show intense red, green, blue and white-color upconversion emission (UC) under the excitation of a 980 nm laser. Predominant near-infrared UC can also be obtained in the Yb 3+ /Tm 3+ doped Sr 2 LuF 7 NCs. The energy transfer UC mechanisms for the fluorescent intensity were also investigated. The desirable property of the ultrasmall dispersed NCs makes them promising materials for the applications in miniaturized solid-state light sources, multicolor three-dimensional display devices and fluorescent labels for biomedical imaging. - Highlights: ► Cubic-structure (Fm3 ¯ m) Sr 2 LuF 7 nanocrystals were synthesized for the first time. ► Nanocrystals (sub-20 nm) with cubic or spherical shape can be well dispersed. ► By doping properly, the nanocrystals show intense multicolor upconversion. ► Predominant near-infrared upconversion can be obtained in Sr 2 LuF 7 nanocrystals. ► Upconversion mechanism for the fluorescent intensity is mainly energy transfer.

  9. Luminescent sensing and imaging of oxygen: fierce competition to the Clark electrode.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wolfbeis, Otto S

    2015-08-01

    Luminescence-based sensing schemes for oxygen have experienced a fast growth and are in the process of replacing the Clark electrode in many fields. Unlike electrodes, sensing is not limited to point measurements via fiber optic microsensors, but includes additional features such as planar sensing, imaging, and intracellular assays using nanosized sensor particles. In this essay, I review and discuss the essentials of (i) common solid-state sensor approaches based on the use of luminescent indicator dyes and host polymers; (ii) fiber optic and planar sensing schemes; (iii) nanoparticle-based intracellular sensing; and (iv) common spectroscopies. Optical sensors are also capable of multiple simultaneous sensing (such as O2 and temperature). Sensors for O2 are produced nowadays in large quantities in industry. Fields of application include sensing of O2 in plant and animal physiology, in clinical chemistry, in marine sciences, in the chemical industry and in process biotechnology. © 2015 The Author. Bioessays published by WILEY Periodicals, Inc.

  10. Effects of Er3+ concentration on UV/blue upconverted luminescence and a three-photon process in the cubic nanocrystalline Y2O3:Er3+

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Wang Xin; Shan Guiye; Chao Kefu; Zhang Youlin; Liu Ruilin; Feng Liyun; Zeng Qinghui; Sun Yajuan; Liu Yichun; Kong Xianggui

    2006-01-01

    Ultraviolet (UV)/blue upconverted luminescent properties of the cubic Y 2 O 3 :Er 3+ nanocrystals as a function of the erbium concentration were investigated upon 488 nm Ar + laser excitation. The remarkable decrease of upconverted emission intensity and the quenching of the 2 P 3/2 → 4 I 11/2 / 4 I 13/2 transitions were observed in the Y 2 O 3 nanocrystals with high erbium concentration. The emission spectra and the exciting power dependence of upconverted luminescent intensities reveal that the possible upconversion mechanisms are excited-state absorption (ESA) and energy transfer (ET). Moreover, a UV/violet upconverted emission spectrum of nanocrystalline Y 2 O 3 :Er 3+ upon 980 nm light excitation was also observed and a three-photon process made a contribution to this upconverted emission

  11. Solar upconversion with plasmon-enhanced bimolecular complexes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dionne, Jennifer [Stanford Univ., CA (United States)

    2017-04-14

    Upconversion of sub-bandgap photons is a promising approach to exceed the Shockley-Queisser limit in solar technologies. However, due to the low quantum efficiencies and narrow absorption bandwidths of upconverters, existing systems have only led to fractional percent improvements in photovoltaic devices (~0.01%). In this project, we aimed to develop an efficient upconverting material that could improve cell efficiencies by at least one absolute percent. To achieve this goal, we first used thermodynamic calculations to determine cell efficiencies with realistic upconverting materials. Then, we designed, synthesized, and characterized nanoantennas that promise >100x enhancement in both the upconverter absorption cross-section and emissive radiative rate. Concurrently, we optimized the upconverer by designing new ionic and molecular complexes that promise efficient solid-state upconversion. Lastly, with Bosch, we simulated record-efficiency semi-transparent cells that will allow for ready incorporation of our upconverting materials. While we were not successful in designing record efficiency upconverters during our three years of funding, we gained significant insight into the existing limitations of upconverters and how to best address these challenges. Ongoing work is aimed at addressing these limitations, to make upconversion a cost-competitive solar technology in future years.

  12. Spectroscopic properties of Yb3+ and Er3+ ions in heavy metal glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pisarski, Wojciech A.; Grobelny, Lukasz; Pisarska, Joanna; Lisiecki, Radoslaw; Ryba-Romanowski, Witold

    2011-01-01

    Highlights: → Heavy metal glasses doubly doped with Yb 3+ and Er 3+ were examined. → NIR luminescence at about 1530 nm and green and red up-conversion spectra were detected. → The unusual large spectral linewidth nearly close to 110 nm for 4 I 13/2 - 4 I 15/2 transition of Er 3+ ions in Yb-Er co-doped lead borate glass was obtained. → Long-lived NIR luminescence was detected in lead germanate glass. → The NIR luminescence and up-conversion phenomena strongly depend on stretching vibrations of glass host. - Abstract: Selected heavy metal glasses containing Yb 3+ and Er 3+ ions have been studied. Near-infrared luminescence spectra at 1.53 μm and up-conversion spectra of Er 3+ ions were registered under excitation of Yb 3+ ions by 975 nm diode laser line. The luminescence bands correspond to 4 I 13/2 - 4 I 15/2 (NIR), 4 S 3/2 - 4 I 15/2 (green) and 4 F 9/2 - 4 I 15/2 (red) transitions of Er 3+ , respectively. The optical transitions of rare earth ions have been examined as a function of glass host. The unusual large spectral linewidth nearly close to 110 nm for 4 I 13/2 - 4 I 15/2 transition of Er 3+ ions in Yb-Er co-doped lead borate glass was obtained, whereas long-lived NIR luminescence at 1.53 μm was detected in lead germanate glass. The NIR luminescence and up-conversion phenomena strongly depend on stretching vibrations of glass host, which was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy.

  13. Nonlinear upconversion based infrared spectroscopy on ZSM-5 zeolite

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Kehlet, Louis Martinus; Beato, Pablo; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2017-01-01

    We present a spectroscopic measurement of zeolite ZSM-5 in the mid-IR following the methanol attachment to active sites at 200 °C. The spectra are measured using nonlinear frequency upconversion to the near-IR spectral region.......We present a spectroscopic measurement of zeolite ZSM-5 in the mid-IR following the methanol attachment to active sites at 200 °C. The spectra are measured using nonlinear frequency upconversion to the near-IR spectral region....

  14. Triplet-triplet annihilation photon-upconversion: towards solar energy applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gray, Victor; Dzebo, Damir; Abrahamsson, Maria; Albinsson, Bo; Moth-Poulsen, Kasper

    2014-06-14

    Solar power production and solar energy storage are important research areas for development of technologies that can facilitate a transition to a future society independent of fossil fuel based energy sources. Devices for direct conversion of solar photons suffer from poor efficiencies due to spectrum losses, which are caused by energy mismatch between the optical absorption of the devices and the broadband irradiation provided by the sun. In this context, photon-upconversion technologies are becoming increasingly interesting since they might offer an efficient way of converting low energy solar energy photons into higher energy photons, ideal for solar power production and solar energy storage. This perspective discusses recent progress in triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) photon-upconversion systems and devices for solar energy applications. Furthermore, challenges with evaluation of the efficiency of TTA-photon-upconversion systems are discussed and a general approach for evaluation and comparison of existing systems is suggested.

  15. New possibilities of digital luminescence radiography (DLR) and digital image processing for verification and portal imaging

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zimmermann, J.S.; Blume, J.; Wendhausen, H.; Hebbinghaus, D.; Kovacs, G.; Eilf, K.; Schultze, J.; Kimmig, B.N.

    1995-01-01

    We developed a method, using digital luminescence radiography (DLR), not only for portal imaging of photon beams in an excellent quality, but also for verification of electron beams. Furtheron, DLR was used as basic instrument for image fusion of portal and verification film and simulation film respectively for image processing in ''beams-eye-view'' verification (BEVV) of rotating beams or conformation therapy. Digital radiographs of an excellent quality are gained for verification of photon and electron beams. In photon beams, quality improvement vs. conventional portal imaging may be dramatic, even more for high energy beams (e.g. 15-MV-photon beams) than for Co-60. In electron beams, excellent results may be easily obtained. By digital image fusion of 1 or more verification films on simulation film or MRI-planning film, more precise judgement even on small differences between simulation and verification films becomes possible. Using BEVV, it is possible to compare computer aided simulation in rotating beams or conformation therapy with the really applied treatment. The basic principle of BEVV is also suitable for dynamic multileaf collimation. (orig.) [de

  16. Upconversion dynamics in Yb3+-Ho3+-doped fluoroindate glasses

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Martin, I.R.; Rodriguez, V.D.; Lavin, V.; Rodriguez-Mendoza, U.R.

    1998-01-01

    The mechanisms and dynamics of the upconversion emissions in Yb 3+ -Ho 3+ -doped fluoroindate glasses by exciting at 975 nm have been analysed. The upconversion efficiencies have been measured as a function of temperature in the range from 12 to 295 K. The temporal evolution of the 545- and 650-nm upconversion emissions obtained under flash excitation at 975 nm in codoped samples with 2.25 mol.% of Yb 3+ and 0.75 mol.% of Ho 3+ cannot be described using the energy migration model. This indicates that at this concentration of Yb 3+ the rapid migration regimen between these ions has not been reached. A model is proposed in order to explain the temporal evolution of these emissions taking into account energy migration between donors and backtransfer processes. (orig.)

  17. LOW POWER UPCONVERSION FOR SOLAR FUELS PHOTOCHEMISTRY

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Castellano, Felix N. [Bowling Green State University

    2013-08-05

    Earth abundant copper(I) diimine complexes represent a renewable and economically feasible alternative to commonly used heavy metal containing chromophores. In the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) excited state, copper(I) diimine complexes typically undergo a significant structural rearrangement, leading to molecules with large Stokes shifts and very short excited state lifetimes, thereby limiting their usefulness as sensitizers in bimolecular electron and triplet energy transfer reactions. Strategically placed bulky substituents on the coordinating phenanthroline ligands have proven useful in restricting the transiently produced excited state Jahn-Teller distortion, leading to longer-lived excited states. By combining bulky sec-butyl groups in the 2- and 9- positions with methyl groups in the 3-,4-, 7-, and 8- positions, a remarkably long-lived (2.8 μs in DCM) copper(I) bis-phenanthroline complex, [Cu(dsbtmp)2]+, has been synthesized and characterized. Unlike other copper(I) diimine complexes, [Cu(dsbtmp)2]+ also retains a μs lifetime in coordinating solvents such as acetonitrile and water as a result of the cooperative sterics inherent in the molecular design. Preliminary results on the use of this complex in hydrogen-forming homogeneous photocatalysis is presented. Photon upconversion based on sensitized triplet-triplet annihilation (TTA) represents a photochemical means to generate high-energy photons (or high-energy chemical products) from low-energy excitation, having potential applications in solar energy conversion and solar fuels producing devices. For the first time, synthetically facile and earth abundant Cu(I) MLCT sensitizers have been successfully incorporated into two distinct photochemical upconversion schemes, affording both red-to-green and orange-to-blue wavelength conversions. Preliminary results on aqueous-based photochemical upconversion as well as intramolecular Sn(IV) porphyrins containing axially coordinated aromatic hydrocarbon

  18. X-ray micro-modulated luminescence tomography (XMLT)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cong, Wenxiang; Liu, Fenglin; Wang, Chao; Wang, Ge

    2014-01-01

    Imaging depth of optical microscopy has been fundamentally limited to millimeter or sub-millimeter due to strong scattering of light in a biological sample. X-ray microscopy can resolve spatial details of few microns deep inside a sample but contrast resolution is inadequate to depict heterogeneous features at cellular or sub-cellular levels. To enhance and enrich biological contrast at large imaging depth, various nanoparticles are introduced and become essential to basic research and molecular medicine. Nanoparticles can be functionalized as imaging probes, similar to fluorescent and bioluminescent proteins. LiGa5O8:Cr3+ nanoparticles were recently synthesized to facilitate luminescence energy storage with x-ray pre-excitation and subsequently stimulated luminescence emission by visible/near-infrared (NIR) light. In this paper, we propose an x-ray micro-modulated luminescence tomography (XMLT, or MLT to be more general) approach to quantify a nanophosphor distribution in a thick biological sample with high resolution. Our numerical simulation studies demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approach. PMID:24663898

  19. Synthesis and luminescence properties of erbium silicate thin films

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Miritello, Maria; Lo Savio, Roberto; Iacona, Fabio; Franzo, Giorgia; Bongiorno, Corrado; Priolo, Francesco

    2008-01-01

    We have studied the structure and the room temperature luminescence of erbium silicate thin films deposited by rf magnetron sputtering. Films deposited on silicon oxide layers are characterized by good structural properties and excellent stability. The optical properties of these films are strongly improved by rapid thermal annealing processes performed in the range of temperature 800-1250 deg. C. In fact through the reduction of the defect density of the material, a very efficient room temperature photoluminescence at 1535 nm is obtained. We have also investigated the influence of the annealing ambient, by finding that treatments in O 2 atmosphere are significantly more efficient in improving the optical properties of the material with respect to processes in N 2 . Upconversion effects become effective only when erbium silicate is excited with high pump powers. The evidence that all Er atoms (about 10 22 cm -3 ) in erbium silicate films are optically active suggests interesting perspectives for optoelectronic applications of this material

  20. X-ray luminescence computed tomography imaging via multiple intensity weighted narrow beam irradiation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Feng, Bo; Gao, Feng; Zhao, Huijuan; Zhang, Limin; Li, Jiao; Zhou, Zhongxing

    2018-02-01

    The purpose of this work is to introduce and study a novel x-ray beam irradiation pattern for X-ray Luminescence Computed Tomography (XLCT), termed multiple intensity-weighted narrow-beam irradiation. The proposed XLCT imaging method is studied through simulations of x-ray and diffuse lights propagation. The emitted optical photons from X-ray excitable nanophosphors were collected by optical fiber bundles from the right-side surface of the phantom. The implementation of image reconstruction is based on the simulated measurements from 6 or 12 angular projections in terms of 3 or 5 x-ray beams scanning mode. The proposed XLCT imaging method is compared against the constant intensity weighted narrow-beam XLCT. From the reconstructed XLCT images, we found that the Dice similarity and quantitative ratio of targets have a certain degree of improvement. The results demonstrated that the proposed method can offer simultaneously high image quality and fast image acquisition.

  1. CdS/ZnS core-shell nanocrystal photosensitizers for visible to UV upconversion.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gray, Victor; Xia, Pan; Huang, Zhiyuan; Moses, Emily; Fast, Alexander; Fishman, Dmitry A; Vullev, Valentine I; Abrahamsson, Maria; Moth-Poulsen, Kasper; Lee Tang, Ming

    2017-08-01

    Herein we report the first example of nanocrystal (NC) sensitized triplet-triplet annihilation based photon upconversion from the visible to ultraviolet (vis-to-UV). Many photocatalyzed reactions, such as water splitting, require UV photons in order to function efficiently. Upconversion is one possible means of extending the usable range of photons into the visible. Vis-to-UV upconversion is achieved with CdS/ZnS core-shell NCs as the sensitizer and 2,5-diphenyloxazole (PPO) as annihilator and emitter. The ZnS shell was crucial in order to achieve any appreciable upconversion. From time resolved photoluminescence and transient absorption measurements we conclude that the ZnS shell affects the NC and triplet energy transfer (TET) from NC to PPO in two distinct ways. Upon ZnS growth the surface traps are passivated thus increasing the TET. The shell, however, also acts as a tunneling barrier for TET, reducing the efficiency. This leads to an optimal shell thickness where the upconversion quantum yield ( Φ ' UC ) is maximized. Here the maximum Φ ' UC was determined to be 5.2 ± 0.5% for 4 monolayers of ZnS shell on CdS NCs.

  2. Europium enabled luminescent nanoparticles for biomedical applications

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Syamchand, S.S., E-mail: syamchand.ss@gmail.com; Sony, G., E-mail: emailtosony@gmail.com

    2015-09-15

    Lanthanide based nanoparticles are receiving great attention ought to their excellent luminescent and magnetic properties and find challenging biomedical applications. Among the luminescent lanthanide NPs, europium based NPs (Eu-NPs) are better candidates for immunoassay and imaging applications. The Eu-NPs have an edge over quantum dots (QDs) by means of their stable luminescence, long fluorescence lifetime, sharp emission peaks with narrow band width, lack of blinking and biocompatibility. This review surveys the synthesis and properties of a variety of Eu-NPs consolidated from different research articles, for their applications in medicine and biology. The exquisite luminescent properties of Eu-NPs are explored for developing biomedical applications such as immunoassay and bioimaging including multimodal imaging. The biomedical applications of Eu-NPs are mostly diagnostic in nature and mainly focus on various key analytes present in biological systems. The luminescent properties of europium enabled NPs are influenced by a number of factors such as the site symmetry, the metal nanoparticles, metal ions, quantum dots, surfactants, morphology of Eu-NPs, crystal defect, phenomena like antenna effect and physical parameters like temperature. Through this review we explore and assimilate all the factors which affect the luminescence in Eu-NPs and coil a new thread of parameters that control the luminescence in Eu-NPs, which would provide further insight in developing Eu-based nanoprobes for future biomedical prospects. - Highlights: • The review describes 14 major factors that influence the luminescence properties of europium enabled luminescent nanoparticles (Eu-NPs). • Surveys different types of europium containing nanoparticles that have been reported for their biomedical applications. • Eu-NPs are conveniently divided into four different categories, based on the type of the substrates involved. The four categories are (1) virgin Eu-substrate based NPs; (2

  3. Europium enabled luminescent nanoparticles for biomedical applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Syamchand, S.S.; Sony, G.

    2015-01-01

    Lanthanide based nanoparticles are receiving great attention ought to their excellent luminescent and magnetic properties and find challenging biomedical applications. Among the luminescent lanthanide NPs, europium based NPs (Eu-NPs) are better candidates for immunoassay and imaging applications. The Eu-NPs have an edge over quantum dots (QDs) by means of their stable luminescence, long fluorescence lifetime, sharp emission peaks with narrow band width, lack of blinking and biocompatibility. This review surveys the synthesis and properties of a variety of Eu-NPs consolidated from different research articles, for their applications in medicine and biology. The exquisite luminescent properties of Eu-NPs are explored for developing biomedical applications such as immunoassay and bioimaging including multimodal imaging. The biomedical applications of Eu-NPs are mostly diagnostic in nature and mainly focus on various key analytes present in biological systems. The luminescent properties of europium enabled NPs are influenced by a number of factors such as the site symmetry, the metal nanoparticles, metal ions, quantum dots, surfactants, morphology of Eu-NPs, crystal defect, phenomena like antenna effect and physical parameters like temperature. Through this review we explore and assimilate all the factors which affect the luminescence in Eu-NPs and coil a new thread of parameters that control the luminescence in Eu-NPs, which would provide further insight in developing Eu-based nanoprobes for future biomedical prospects. - Highlights: • The review describes 14 major factors that influence the luminescence properties of europium enabled luminescent nanoparticles (Eu-NPs). • Surveys different types of europium containing nanoparticles that have been reported for their biomedical applications. • Eu-NPs are conveniently divided into four different categories, based on the type of the substrates involved. The four categories are (1) virgin Eu-substrate based NPs; (2

  4. Near Infrared-Emitting Cr3+/Eu3+ Co-doped Zinc Gallogermanate Persistence Luminescent Nanoparticles for Cell Imaging

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Qiaoqiao; Zhang, Shuyun; Li, Zhiwei; Zhu, Qi

    2018-02-01

    Near infrared (NIR)-emitting persistent luminescent nanoparticles have been developed as potential agents for bioimaging. However, synthesizing uniform nanoparticles with long afterglow for long-term imaging is lacking. Here, we demonstrated the synthesis of spinel structured Zn3Ga2Ge2O10:Cr3+ (ZGGO:Cr3+) and Zn3Ga2Ge2O10:Cr3+,Eu3+ (ZGGO:Cr3+,Eu3+) nanoparticles by a sol-gel method in combination with a subsequent reducing atmosphere-free calcination. The samples were investigated via detailed characterizations by combined techniques of XRD, TEM, STEM, selected area electron diffraction, photoluminescence excitation (PLE)/photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, and temperature-dependent PL analysis. The single-crystalline nanoparticles are homogeneous solid solution, possessing uniform cubic shape and lateral size of 80-100 nm. Upon UV excitation at 273 nm, ZGGO:Cr3+,Eu3+ exhibited a NIR emission band at 697 nm (2E → 4A2 transition of distorted Cr3+ ions in gallogermanate), in the absence of Eu3+ emission. NIR persistent luminescence of the sample can last longer than 7200 s and still hold intense intensity. Eu3+ incorporation increased the persistent luminescence intensity and the afterglow time of ZGGO:Cr3+, but it did not significantly affect the thermal stability. The obtained ZGGO:Cr3+,Eu3+-NH2 nanoparticles possessed an excellent imaging capacity for cells in vitro.

  5. Development of luminescent pH sensor films for monitoring bacterial growth through tissue.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Fenglin; Raval, Yash; Chen, Hongyu; Tzeng, Tzuen-Rong J; DesJardins, John D; Anker, Jeffrey N

    2014-02-01

    Although implanted medical devices (IMDs) offer many benefits, they are susceptible to bacterial colonization and infections. Such infections are difficult to treat because bacteria could form biofilms on the implant surface, which reduce antibiotics penetration and generate local dormant regions with low pH and low oxygen. In addition, these infections are hard to detect early because biofilms are often localized on the surface. Herein, an optical sensor film is developed to detect local acidosis on an implanted surface. The film contains both upconverting particles (UCPs) that serve as a light source and a pH indicator that alters the luminescence spectrum. When irradiated with 980 nm light, the UCPs produce deeply penetrating red light emission, while generating negligible autofluorescence in the tissue. The basic form of the pH indicator absorbs more of upconversion luminescence at 661 nm than at 671 nm and consequently the spectral ratio indicates pH. Implanting this pH sensor film beneath 6-7 mm of porcine tissue does not substantially affect the calibration curve because the peaks are closely spaced. Furthermore, growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis on the sensor surface causes a local pH decrease that can be detected non-invasively through the tissue. Copyright © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  6. Visible Light Excited Catalysis and Reusability Performances of TiO2@Pr:Y2SiO5 Upconversion Materials

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yan Jiao

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available To get high efficiency photodegradation on pollutants under visible light, Pr(III doped Y2SiO5 upconversion materials and anatase TiO2 nanofilm coated Pr:Y2SiO5 composite have been prepared by using a sol-gel method. XRD and SEM test results indicated that TiO2 nanofilm was well coated on Pr:Y2SiO5 to form TiO2@Pr:Y2SiO5 composite particles with the sizes of 0.5–1.0 μm. To avoid secondary pollution resulting from incomplete recovery of catalyst particles, TiO2@Pr:Y2SiO5 was loaded on the glass fiber filters by using a dip-coating method. It is found that the catalyst particles were embedded into the carrier firmly, even after having been reused for 6 times. The luminescence intensities of TiO2@Pr:Y2SiO5 were getting down sharply with the coating contents of TiO2 increased, which was attributed to the adsorption of the luminescence by the TiO2 film in situ. As a result, TiO2@Pr:Y2SiO5 with 4% TiO2, which presented lowest luminescence intensity, showed the highest efficiency on the photodegradation of nitrobenzene wastewater. The catalysts loaded on glass fiber filters showed excellent reusability on the photodegradation of nitrobenzene and presented a photodegradation rate of 95% at the first time and up to 75.9% even after 6 times of reusing by the treatment time of 12 h.

  7. Luminescent GdVO4:Eu3+ functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging and drug delivery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huang, Shanshan; Cheng, Ziyong; Ma, Ping'an; Kang, Xiaojiao; Dai, Yunlu; Lin, Jun

    2013-05-14

    Luminescent GdVO4:Eu(3+) nanophosphor functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were prepared (denoted as GdVO4:Eu(3+)@MSN). The in vitro cytotoxicity tests show that the sample has good biocompatibility, which indicates that the nanocomposite could be a promising candidate for drug delivery. Flow cytometry and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) confirm that the sample can be effectively taken up by SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells and A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. It was also shown that the GdVO4:Eu(3+)@MSN brightened the T1-weighted images and enhanced the r1 relaxivity of water protons, which suggested that they could act as T1 contrast agents for magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. It was found that the carriers present a pH-dependent drug release behavior for doxorubicin (DOX). The composites show a red emission under UV irradiation due to the GdVO4:Eu(3+) nanophosphors. Furthermore, the PL intensity of the composite shows correlation with the cumulative release of DOX. These results suggest that the composite can potentially act as a multifunctional drug carrier system with luminescent tagging, MR imaging and pH-controlled release property for DOX.

  8. Nanoparticle-based luminescent probes for intracellular sensing and imaging of pH.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schäferling, Michael

    2016-05-01

    Fluorescence imaging microscopy is an essential tool in biomedical research. Meanwhile, various fluorescent probes are available for the staining of cells, cell membranes, and organelles. Though, to monitor intracellular processes and dysfunctions, probes that respond to ubiquitous chemical parameters determining the cellular function such as pH, pO2 , and Ca(2+) are required. This review is focused on the progress in the design, fabrication, and application of photoluminescent nanoprobes for sensing and imaging of pH in living cells. The advantages of using nanoprobes carrying fluorescent pH indicators compared to single molecule probes are discussed as well as their limitations due to the mostly lysosomal uptake by cells. Particular attention is paid to ratiometric dual wavelength nanosensors that enable intrinsic referenced measurements. Referencing and proper calibration procedures are basic prerequisites to carry out reliable quantitative pH determinations in complex samples such as living cells. A variety of examples will be presented that highlight the diverseness of nanocarrier materials (polymers, micelles, silica, quantum dots, carbon dots, gold, photon upconversion nanocrystals, or bacteriophages), fluorescent pH indicators for the weak acidic range, and referenced sensing mechanisms, that have been applied intracellularly up to now. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:378-413. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1366 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Signal intensity analysis and optimization for in vivo imaging of Cherenkov and excited luminescence

    Science.gov (United States)

    LaRochelle, Ethan P. M.; Shell, Jennifer R.; Gunn, Jason R.; Davis, Scott C.; Pogue, Brian W.

    2018-04-01

    During external beam radiotherapy (EBRT), in vivo Cherenkov optical emissions can be used as a dosimetry tool or to excite luminescence, termed Cherenkov-excited luminescence (CEL) with microsecond-level time-gated cameras. The goal of this work was to develop a complete theoretical foundation for the detectable signal strength, in order to provide guidance on optimization of the limits of detection and how to optimize near real time imaging. The key parameters affecting photon production, propagation and detection were considered and experimental validation with both tissue phantoms and a murine model are shown. Both the theoretical analysis and experimental data indicate that the detection level is near a single photon-per-pixel for the detection geometry and frame rates commonly used, with the strongest factor being the signal decrease with the square of distance from tissue to camera. Experimental data demonstrates how the SNR improves with increasing integration time, but only up to the point where the dominance of camera read noise is overcome by stray photon noise that cannot be suppressed. For the current camera in a fixed geometry, the signal to background ratio limits the detection of light signals, and the observed in vivo Cherenkov emission is on the order of 100×  stronger than CEL signals. As a result, imaging signals from depths  <15 mm is reasonable for Cherenkov light, and depths  <3 mm is reasonable for CEL imaging. The current investigation modeled Cherenkov and CEL imaging of two oxygen sensing phosphorescent compounds, but the modularity of the code allows for easy comparison of different agents or alternative cameras, geometries or tissues.

  10. Emission properties of hydrothermal Yb3+, Er3+ and Yb3+, Tm3+-codoped Lu2O3 nanorods: upconversion, cathodoluminescence and assessment of waveguide behavior

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Barrera, Elixir William; Pujol, MarIa Cinta; DIaz, Francesc; Choi, Soo Bong; Rotermund, Fabian; Park, Kyung Ho; Jeong, Mun Seok; Cascales, Concepcion

    2011-01-01

    Yb 3+ and Ln 3+ (Ln 3+ = Er 3+ or Tm 3+ ) codoped Lu 2 O 3 nanorods with cubic Ia3-bar symmetry have been prepared by low temperature hydrothermal procedures, and their luminescence properties and waveguide behavior analyzed by means of scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). Room temperature upconversion (UC) under excitation at 980 nm and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were studied as a function of the Yb + concentration in the prepared nanorods. UC spectra revealed the strong development of Er 3+4 F 9/2 → 4I 15/2 (red) and Tm 3+1 G 4 → 3 H 6 (blue) bands, which became the pre-eminent and even unique emissions for corresponding nanorods with the higher Yb 3+ concentration. Favored by the presence of large phonons in current nanorods, UC mechanisms that privilege the population of 4 F 9/2 and 1 G 4 emitting levels through phonon-assisted energy transfer and non-radiative relaxations account for these observed UC luminescence features. CL spectra show much more moderate development of the intensity ratio between the Er 3+4 F 9/2 → 4 I 15/2 (red) and 2 H 11/2 , 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 (green) emissions with the increase in the Yb 3+ content, while for Yb 3+ , Tm 3+ -codoped Lu 2 O 3 nanorods the dominant CL emission is Tm 3+1 D 2 → 3 F 4 (deep-blue). Uniform light emission along Yb 3+ , Er 3+ -codoped Lu 2 O 3 rods has been observed by using SNOM photoluminescence images; however, the rods seem to be too thin for propagation of light.

  11. Intracavity upconversion for IR absorption lidar: Comparison of linear and ring cavity designs

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Meng, Lichun; Høgstedt, Lasse; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2017-01-01

    Upconversion detection is a promising technology for measurement of IR signals in the 1.5 μm–2 μm region used for lidar remote sensing [1-2]. In comparison to conventional InGaAs detector, the upconversion detector can achieve IR detection with better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), not only due...

  12. Tunable multicolor and white-light upconversion luminescence in Yb3+/Tm3+/Ho3+ tri-doped NaYF4 micro-crystals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lin, Hao; Xu, Dekang; Teng, Dongdong; Yang, Shenghong; Zhang, Yueli

    2015-09-01

    NaYF4 micro-crystals with various concentrations of Yb(3+) /Tm(3+) /Ho(3+) were prepared successfully via a simple and reproducible hydrothermal route using EDTA as the chelating agent. Their phase structure and surface morphology were studied using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD patterns revealed that all the samples were pure hexagonal phase NaYF4. SEM images showed that Yb(3+)/Tm(3+)/Ho(3+) tri-doped NaYF4 were hexagonal micro-prisms. Upconversion photoluminescence spectra of Yb(3+)/Tm(3+)/Ho(3+) tri-doped NaYF4 micro-crystals with various dopant concentrations under 980 nm excitation with a 665 mW pump power were studied. Tunable multicolor (purple, purplish blue, yellowish green, green) and white light were achieved by simply adjusting the Ho(3+) concentration in 20%Yb(3+)/1%Tm(3+)/xHo(3+) tri-doped NaYF4 micro-crystals. Furthermore, white-light emissions could be obtained using different pump powers in 20%Yb(3+)/1%Tm(3+)/1%Ho(3+) tri-doped NaYF4 micro-crystals at 980 nm excitation. The pump power-dependent intensity relationship was studied and relevant energy transfer processes were discussed in detail. The results suggest that Yb(3+)/Tm(3+) Ho(3+) tri-doped NaYF4 micro-crystals have potential applications in optoelectronic devices such as photovoltaic, plasma display panel and white-light-emitting diodes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  13. Limitations on the upconversion of ion sound to Langmuir turbulence

    Science.gov (United States)

    Vlahos, L.; Papadopoulos, K.

    1982-01-01

    The weak turbulence theory of Tsytovich, Stenflo and Wilhelmsson (1981) for evaluation of the nonlinear transfer of ion acoustic waves to Langmuir waves is shown to be limited in its region of validity to the level of ion acoustic waves. It is also demonstrated that, in applying the upconversion of ion sound to Langmuir waves for electron acceleration, nonlinear scattering should be self-consistently included, with a suppression of the upconversion process resulting. The impossibility of accelerating electrons by such a process for any reasonable physical system is thereby reaffirmed.

  14. Feasibility study of novel endoscopic Cerenkov luminescence imaging system in detecting and quantifying gastrointestinal disease: first human results

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hu, Hao; Li, Shujun; Yao, Liping; Liang, Jie; Nie, Yongzhan; Wu, Kaichun; Cao, Xin; Lin, Yenan; Liu, Muhan; Liang, Jimin; Chen, Xueli; Kang, Fei; Wang, Jing; Wang, Min

    2015-01-01

    Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) provides potential to use clinical radiotracers for optical imaging. The goal of this study was to present a newly developed endoscopic CLI (ECLI) system and illustrate its feasibility and potential in distinguishing and quantifying cancerous lesions of the GI tract. The ECLI system was established by integrating an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device camera with a flexible fibre endoscope. Phantom experiments and animal studies were conducted to test and illustrate the system in detecting and quantifying the presence of radionuclide in vitro and in vivo. A pilot clinical study was performed to evaluate our system in clinical settings. Phantom and mice experiments demonstrated its ability to acquire both the luminescent and photographic images with high accuracy. Linear quantitative relationships were also obtained when comparing the ECLI radiance with the radiotracer activity (r 2 = 0.9779) and traditional CLI values (r 2 = 0.9025). Imaging of patients revealed the potential of ECLI in the identification and quantification of cancerous tissue from normal, which showed good consistence with the clinical PET examination. The new ECLI system shows good consistence with the clinical PET examination and has great potential for clinical translation and in aiding detection of the GI tract disease. (orig.)

  15. Feasibility study of novel endoscopic Cerenkov luminescence imaging system in detecting and quantifying gastrointestinal disease: first human results

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hu, Hao; Li, Shujun; Yao, Liping; Liang, Jie; Nie, Yongzhan; Wu, Kaichun [Fourth Military Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Xi' an (China); Cao, Xin; Lin, Yenan; Liu, Muhan; Liang, Jimin; Chen, Xueli [Xidian University, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi' an (China); Kang, Fei; Wang, Jing [Fourth Military Medical University, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Xi' an (China); Wang, Min [Xi' an Children' s Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology, Xi' an (China)

    2015-06-01

    Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) provides potential to use clinical radiotracers for optical imaging. The goal of this study was to present a newly developed endoscopic CLI (ECLI) system and illustrate its feasibility and potential in distinguishing and quantifying cancerous lesions of the GI tract. The ECLI system was established by integrating an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device camera with a flexible fibre endoscope. Phantom experiments and animal studies were conducted to test and illustrate the system in detecting and quantifying the presence of radionuclide in vitro and in vivo. A pilot clinical study was performed to evaluate our system in clinical settings. Phantom and mice experiments demonstrated its ability to acquire both the luminescent and photographic images with high accuracy. Linear quantitative relationships were also obtained when comparing the ECLI radiance with the radiotracer activity (r{sup 2} = 0.9779) and traditional CLI values (r{sup 2} = 0.9025). Imaging of patients revealed the potential of ECLI in the identification and quantification of cancerous tissue from normal, which showed good consistence with the clinical PET examination. The new ECLI system shows good consistence with the clinical PET examination and has great potential for clinical translation and in aiding detection of the GI tract disease. (orig.)

  16. Upconversion in rare earth ions doped TeO2-ZnO glass

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mohanty, Deepak Kumar; Rai, Vineet Kumar

    2012-01-01

    The Er 3+ /Yb 3+ doped/codoped TeO 2 -ZnO glasses have been fabricated by conventional melt and quenching technique. The absorption spectra of the doped/codoped glasses have been performed. The visible upconversion emissions of both doped and codoped glasses have been observed using 808 nm diode laser excitation. The process involved in upconversion emissions has been discussed in detail. (author)

  17. Inherent Limitations in Mid-Wave and Long-Wave-IR Upconversion Detector

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Barh, Ajanta; Tseng, Yu-Pei; Pedersen, Christian

    2017-01-01

    Inherent limitations in terms of optical losses, selection of nonlinear crystal(s), detection efficiency and pumping conditions in mid-wave (3-5 µm) and long-wave (8-12 µm) infrared frequency upconversion modules are investigated in this paper.......Inherent limitations in terms of optical losses, selection of nonlinear crystal(s), detection efficiency and pumping conditions in mid-wave (3-5 µm) and long-wave (8-12 µm) infrared frequency upconversion modules are investigated in this paper....

  18. Spectral-converting behaviors of Er{sup 3+} and Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} doped YOCl phosphors

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Park, Sangmoon, E-mail: spark@silla.ac.kr [Center for Green Fusion Technology and Department of Engineering in Energy and Applied Chemistry, Silla University, Busan 617-736 (Korea, Republic of); Cho, So-Hye [Center for Materials Architecturing, Institute of Multidisciplinary Convergence of Materials, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 130-650 (Korea, Republic of)

    2014-01-25

    Highlights: • Luminescent materials of YOCl:Er,Yb were prepared using NH{sub 4}Cl flux. • Interesting spectral-converting behaviors were observed in the phosphors. • 980 or 1550 nm diode laser was irradiated for up-converting study. • A multi-photon process in the phosphors was calculated. -- Abstract: Luminescent materials composed of Y{sub 1−m−n}Er{sub m}Yb{sub n}OCl (m = 0.001–0.1, n = 0.005–0.1) were prepared via a solid-state reaction using NH{sub 4}Cl flux. Photoluminescence spectra, the dependence of the luminescent intensity as a function of Er{sup 3+} content, and their CIE coordinates of the Er{sup 3+}-doped layered YOCl compounds were also investigated under near-ultraviolet (NUV) and visible lights. The spectral up-converting properties of Er{sup 3+} and Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} in YOCl phosphors were elucidated under 980 and 1550 nm diode laser irradiations. This up-conversion emission spectra and the pump power dependence versus emission intensity observed in the Y{sub 0.9}Er{sub 0.1}OCl up-conversion phosphors gave rise to one- and two-photon processes. The up-conversion mechanism of Er{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+} ions in YOCl was described by a schematic energy-level diagram. Through the use of these up-conversion luminescent materials, the desired emitting lights throughout the orange and red regions of the spectra were achieved.

  19. Luminescence properties in the visible of Dy:YAG/YAG planar waveguides

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Klimczak, M., E-mail: m.klimczak@elka.pw.edu.p [Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw (Poland); Malinowski, M. [Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw (Poland); Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Wolczynska 133, 01-919 Warsaw (Poland); Sarnecki, J. [Institute of Electronic Materials Technology, Wolczynska 133, 01-919 Warsaw (Poland); Piramidowicz, R. [Institute of Microelectronics and Optoelectronics, Koszykowa 75, 00-662 Warsaw (Poland); Telekomunikacja Polska Research and Development Centre, Obrzezna 7, 02-691 Warsaw (Poland)

    2009-12-15

    In this work, we investigate visible emission properties of dysprosium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) waveguides prepared by the liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method, which allowed obtaining samples of activator concentrations ranging from 0.2 at% up to ca. 18 at%. This unique set of Dy:YAG/YAG waveguides has been carefully examined by means of highly resolved laser spectroscopy to explore the luminescence properties in the visible (yellow-blue) part of spectrum. In particular, the low-temperature absorption spectra have been recorded and analyzed, giving a more detailed information on energy levels' positions in these crystals. The concentration-dependant emission spectra and fluorescence dynamics profiles have been collected under direct excitation, enabling analysis of multi-ion processes responsible for concentration quenching. This, in turn, enabled optimization of activator concentration with respect to yellow emission efficiency. Additionally, the possible IR to visible up-conversion pathways have been discussed, giving a starting point for further investigations.

  20. Spatially-resolved luminescence spectroscopy of CdSe quantum dots synthesized in ionic liquid crystal matrices

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Magaryan, K.A., E-mail: xmagaros@gmail.com [Moscow State Pedagogical University, 29 Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., Moscow 119992 (Russian Federation); Mikhailov, M.A. [Moscow State Pedagogical University, 29 Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., Moscow 119992 (Russian Federation); Karimullin, K.R. [Moscow State Pedagogical University, 29 Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., Moscow 119992 (Russian Federation); Institute for Spectroscopy of RAS, 5 Fizicheskaya Str., Troitsk, Moscow 142190 (Russian Federation); E.K. Zavoyski Kazan Physical-Technical Institute of RAS, 10/7 Sibirski trakt Str., Kazan 420029 (Russian Federation); Knyazev, M.V.; Eremchev, I.Y. [Institute for Spectroscopy of RAS, 5 Fizicheskaya Str., Troitsk, Moscow 142190 (Russian Federation); Naumov, A.V. [Moscow State Pedagogical University, 29 Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., Moscow 119992 (Russian Federation); Institute for Spectroscopy of RAS, 5 Fizicheskaya Str., Troitsk, Moscow 142190 (Russian Federation); Vasilieva, I.A. [Moscow State Pedagogical University, 29 Malaya Pirogovskaya Str., Moscow 119992 (Russian Federation); Klimusheva, G.V. [Institute of Physics, NAS of Ukraine, 46 Prospect Nauki, Kiev 03028 (Ukraine)

    2016-01-15

    The paper is devoted to investigation of luminescence properties of new quantum dot (QD)-doped materials. We studied CdSe QDs (1.8 nm and 2.3 nm) grown inside of a liquid crystalline cadmium alcanoate matrix. Temperature dependence of parameters of fluorescence spectra obtained in a wide temperature range using epi-luminescence microscopy technique was analyzed. Spatially-resolved luminescence images were measured for the areas of the samples of 150×150 µm{sup 2}. Strong correlation between fluorescence spectra and sample structure was observed. - Highlights: • Glassy matrix with CdSe quantum dots inside fabricated in liquid crystalline mesophase. • Study of luminescence properties in a wide range of low temperatures. • Strong dependence of the luminescence spectra on spatial inhomogeneities. • Spatially-resolved luminescence imaging of quantum dots in liquid crystalline matrix.

  1. Spatially-resolved luminescence spectroscopy of CdSe quantum dots synthesized in ionic liquid crystal matrices

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Magaryan, K.A.; Mikhailov, M.A.; Karimullin, K.R.; Knyazev, M.V.; Eremchev, I.Y.; Naumov, A.V.; Vasilieva, I.A.; Klimusheva, G.V.

    2016-01-01

    The paper is devoted to investigation of luminescence properties of new quantum dot (QD)-doped materials. We studied CdSe QDs (1.8 nm and 2.3 nm) grown inside of a liquid crystalline cadmium alcanoate matrix. Temperature dependence of parameters of fluorescence spectra obtained in a wide temperature range using epi-luminescence microscopy technique was analyzed. Spatially-resolved luminescence images were measured for the areas of the samples of 150×150 µm 2 . Strong correlation between fluorescence spectra and sample structure was observed. - Highlights: • Glassy matrix with CdSe quantum dots inside fabricated in liquid crystalline mesophase. • Study of luminescence properties in a wide range of low temperatures. • Strong dependence of the luminescence spectra on spatial inhomogeneities. • Spatially-resolved luminescence imaging of quantum dots in liquid crystalline matrix.

  2. Frequency upconversion in Er3+ doped tungsten tellurite glass containing Ag nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mahajan, S. K.; Parashar, J.

    2018-05-01

    The frequency upconversion emission in Er3+ doped TeO2-WO3-Li2O containing Ag nanoparticle (TWLEOAG) glasses at 980nm excitation is reported. The absorption spectra reveal not only the peaks due to Er3+ ions, but also the surface plasmon resonance band of silver NPs located around 525nm and 650 nm. The spherical AgNPs with average size ˜38 nm in the glassy matrix is evidenced from the TEM measurement. Under 980nm laser excitation upconversion emission spectra show two major emission at 550nm and 638nm originating from 4S3/2 and 4F9/2 energy levels of the Er3+ ions, respectively was observed. Upconversion emission enhancement factor 7 fold has been measured for sample heat treated during 40h. However for 18h heat treated TWLEOAG sample under 980 nm flash lamp excitation produced Intense green compare to red emission. Since the 980nm frequency is far from the AgNPs surface plasmon resonance frequency, visible emission ehancement is attributed to local field increase in proximity of the Ag NPs and not energy tranfer from NPs to emitters. Possible energy transfer upconversion mechanism has been also discussed.

  3. "Smart" theranostic lanthanide nanoprobes with simultaneous up-conversion fluorescence and tunable T1-T2 magnetic resonance imaging contrast and near-infrared activated photodynamic therapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Yan; Das, Gautom Kumar; Vijayaragavan, Vimalan; Xu, Qing Chi; Padmanabhan, Parasuraman; Bhakoo, Kishore K; Selvan, Subramanian Tamil; Tan, Timothy Thatt Yang

    2014-11-07

    The current work reports a type of "smart" lanthanide-based theranostic nanoprobe, NaDyF4:Yb(3+)/NaGdF4:Yb(3+),Er(3+), which is able to circumvent the up-converting poisoning effect of Dy(3+) ions to give efficient near infrared (980 nm) triggered up-conversion fluorescence, and offers not only excellent dark T2-weighted MR contrast but also tunable bright and T1-weighted MR contrast properties. Due to the efficient up-converted energy transfer from the nanocrystals to chlorin e6 (Ce6) photosensitizers loaded onto the nanocrystals, cytotoxic singlet oxygen was generated and photodynamic therapy was demonstrated. Therefore, the current multifunctional nanocrystals could be potentially useful in various image-guided diagnoses where bright or dark MRI contrast could be selectively tuned to optimize image quality, but also as an efficient and more penetrative near-infrared activated photodynamic therapy agent.

  4. White upconversion luminescence in Tm3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply doped K+-Na+ ion-exchanged aluminum germanate glass channel waveguide

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Xiao; Chen, Baojie; Pun, Edwin Yue Bun; Lin, Hai

    2013-01-01

    Rare-earth ions doped K+-Na+ ion-exchanged aluminum germanate (NMAG) glass channel waveguides have been designed and fabricated. Under 980 nm laser pumping, an intense upconversion white light transmission trace was observed in Tm3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply doped NMAG glass channel waveguide and a high-brightness light spot was achieved from the output end of the fiber connected to the waveguide channel. The fluorescent colors were diverse and located within or near the white region in CIE chromaticity diagram under various pumping powers. These admirable results indicate that Tm3+/Ho3+/Yb3+ triply doped NMAG channel waveguide is a promising light source for medical and high-precision processing illumination.

  5. Luminescence nanothermometry

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jaque, Daniel; Vetrone, Fiorenzo

    2012-07-01

    The current status of luminescence nanothermometry is reviewed in detail. Based on the main parameters of luminescence including intensity, bandwidth, bandshape, polarization, spectral shift and lifetime, we initially describe and compare the different classes of luminescence nanothermometry. Subsequently, the various luminescent materials used in each case are discussed and the mechanisms at the root of the luminescence thermal sensitivity are described. The most important results obtained in each case are summarized and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed.The current status of luminescence nanothermometry is reviewed in detail. Based on the main parameters of luminescence including intensity, bandwidth, bandshape, polarization, spectral shift and lifetime, we initially describe and compare the different classes of luminescence nanothermometry. Subsequently, the various luminescent materials used in each case are discussed and the mechanisms at the root of the luminescence thermal sensitivity are described. The most important results obtained in each case are summarized and the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed. This work was supported by the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Comunidad Autónoma de Madrid (Project S2009/MAT-1756), by the Spanish Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia (MAT2010-16161) and by Caja Madrid Foundation.

  6. Upconversion-based receivers for quantum hacking-resistant quantum key distribution

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jain, Nitin; Kanter, Gregory S.

    2016-07-01

    We propose a novel upconversion (sum frequency generation)-based quantum-optical system design that can be employed as a receiver (Bob) in practical quantum key distribution systems. The pump governing the upconversion process is produced and utilized inside the physical receiver, making its access or control unrealistic for an external adversary (Eve). This pump facilitates several properties which permit Bob to define and control the modes that can participate in the quantum measurement. Furthermore, by manipulating and monitoring the characteristics of the pump pulses, Bob can detect a wide range of quantum hacking attacks launched by Eve.

  7. Enhancement of Cerenkov luminescence imaging by dual excitation of Er(3+,Yb(3+-doped rare-earth microparticles.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xiaowei Ma

    Full Text Available Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI has been successfully utilized in various fields of preclinical studies; however, CLI is challenging due to its weak luminescent intensity and insufficient penetration capability. Here, we report the design and synthesis of a type of rare-earth microparticles (REMPs, which can be dually excited by Cerenkov luminescence (CL resulting from the decay of radionuclides to enhance CLI in terms of intensity and penetration.Yb(3+- and Er(3+- codoped hexagonal NaYF4 hollow microtubes were synthesized via a hydrothermal route. The phase, morphology, and emission spectrum were confirmed for these REMPs by power X-ray diffraction (XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM, and spectrophotometry, respectively. A commercial CCD camera equipped with a series of optical filters was employed to quantify the intensity and spectrum of CLI from radionuclides. The enhancement of penetration was investigated by imaging studies of nylon phantoms and nude mouse pseudotumor models.the REMPs could be dually excited by CL at the wavelengths of 520 and 980 nm, and the emission peaks overlaid at 660 nm. This strategy approximately doubled the overall detectable intensity of CLI and extended its maximum penetration in nylon phantoms from 5 to 15 mm. The penetration study in living animals yielded similar results.this study demonstrated that CL can dually excite REMPs and that the overlaid emissions in the range of 660 nm could significantly enhance the penetration and intensity of CL. The proposed enhanced CLI strategy may have promising applications in the future.

  8. Competitive upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay for the\

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Hlaváček, Antonín; Farka, Z.; Hübner, M.; Horňáková, V.; Němeček, D.; Niessner, R.; Skládal, P.; Knopp, D.; Gorris, H H.

    2016-01-01

    Roč. 88, č. 11 (2016), s. 6011-6017 ISSN 0003-2700 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA14-28254S Institutional support: RVO:68081715 Keywords : photon-upconversion * diclofenac * immunoassay Subject RIV: CB - Analytical Chemistry, Separation Impact factor: 6.320, year: 2016

  9. Competitive upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay for the\

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Hlaváček, Antonín; Farka, Z.; Hübner, M.; Horňáková, V.; Němeček, D.; Niessner, R.; Skládal, P.; Knopp, D.; Gorris, H H.

    2016-01-01

    Roč. 88, č. 11 (2016), s. 6011-6017 ISSN 0003-2700 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA14-28254S Institutional support: RVO:68081715 Keywords : photon-upconversion * diclofenac * immunoassay Subject RIV: CB - Analytical Chemistry , Separation Impact factor: 6.320, year: 2016

  10. Surface modification of upconverting nanoparticles by layer-by-layer assembled polyelectrolytes and metal ions.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Palo, Emilia; Salomäki, Mikko; Lastusaari, Mika

    2017-12-15

    Modificating and protecting the upconversion luminescence nanoparticles is important for their potential in various applications. In this work we demonstrate successful coating of the nanoparticles by a simple layer-by-layer method using negatively charged polyelectrolytes and neodymium ions. The layer fabrication conditions such as number of the bilayers, solution concentrations and selected polyelectrolytes were studied to find the most suitable conditions for the process. The bilayers were characterized and the presence of the desired components was studied and confirmed by various methods. In addition, the upconversion luminescence of the bilayered nanoparticles was studied to see the effect of the surface modification on the overall intensity. It was observed that with selected deposition concentrations the bilayer successfully shielded the particle resulting in stronger upconversion luminescence. The layer-by-layer method offers multiple possibilities to control the bilayer growth even further and thus gives promises that the use of upconverting nanoparticles in applications could become even easier with less modification steps in the future. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Spectrally shaped broadband study of up-conversion in Y2O3:Er3+

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lytle, A.L.; Gagnon, E.; Tulchinsky, L.; Krebs, J.K.

    2014-01-01

    We present a novel scheme for studying up-conversion through excited state absorption (ESA) by using a broadband excitation source with spectral shaping capabilities. Up-conversion processes have typically been investigated using a single, narrowband excitation source, when the two steps of the process are coincident in frequency, which is often made possible by broadening mechanisms of the intermediate excited state manifolds. Thus, narrowband sources are limited in the systems they can excite and what material information they can provide. With broadband light, we are able to drive up-conversion with non-coincident frequencies as well. Finally, by windowing the spectrum, we determine the optimal excitation bandwidth for low-concentration (1%) Y 2 O 3 :Er 3+ nanocrystals. - Highlights: • Broadband excitation light is used to drive up-conversion in Y 2 O 3 :Er 3+ . • Broadband light excites all available transitions in the two-photon process. • A spectral shaping technique is used to alter the excitation frequencies present. • The optimal excitation bandwidth is measured by windowing the spectrum. • Broadband excitation reveals information inaccessible by narrowband sources

  12. Cerenkov luminescence tomography based on preconditioning orthogonal matching pursuit

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Haixiao; Hu, Zhenhua; Wang, Kun; Tian, Jie; Yang, Xin

    2015-03-01

    Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is a novel optical imaging method and has been proved to be a potential substitute of the traditional radionuclide imaging such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). This imaging method inherits the high sensitivity of nuclear medicine and low cost of optical molecular imaging. To obtain the depth information of the radioactive isotope, Cerenkov luminescence tomography (CLT) is established and the 3D distribution of the isotope is reconstructed. However, because of the strong absorption and scatter, the reconstruction of the CLT sources is always converted to an ill-posed linear system which is hard to be solved. In this work, the sparse nature of the light source was taken into account and the preconditioning orthogonal matching pursuit (POMP) method was established to effectively reduce the ill-posedness and obtain better reconstruction accuracy. To prove the accuracy and speed of this algorithm, a heterogeneous numerical phantom experiment and an in vivo mouse experiment were conducted. Both the simulation result and the mouse experiment showed that our reconstruction method can provide more accurate reconstruction result compared with the traditional Tikhonov regularization method and the ordinary orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) method. Our reconstruction method will provide technical support for the biological application for Cerenkov luminescence.

  13. Photon correlation in single-photon frequency upconversion.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gu, Xiaorong; Huang, Kun; Pan, Haifeng; Wu, E; Zeng, Heping

    2012-01-30

    We experimentally investigated the intensity cross-correlation between the upconverted photons and the unconverted photons in the single-photon frequency upconversion process with multi-longitudinal mode pump and signal sources. In theoretical analysis, with this multi-longitudinal mode of both signal and pump sources system, the properties of the signal photons could also be maintained as in the single-mode frequency upconversion system. Experimentally, based on the conversion efficiency of 80.5%, the joint probability of simultaneously detecting at upconverted and unconverted photons showed an anti-correlation as a function of conversion efficiency which indicated the upconverted photons were one-to-one from the signal photons. While due to the coherent state of the signal photons, the intensity cross-correlation function g(2)(0) was shown to be equal to unity at any conversion efficiency, agreeing with the theoretical prediction. This study will benefit the high-speed wavelength-tunable quantum state translation or photonic quantum interface together with the mature frequency tuning or longitudinal mode selection techniques.

  14. Solar-Pumping Upconversion of Interfacial Coordination Nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ishii, Ayumi; Hasegawa, Miki

    2017-01-30

    An interfacial coordination nanoparticle successfully exhibited an upconversion blue emission excited by very low-power light irradiation, such as sunlight. The interfacial complex was composed of Yb ions and indigo dye, which formed a nano-ordered thin shell layer on a Tm 2 O 3 nanoparticle. At the surface of the Tm 2 O 3 particle, the indigo dye can be excited by non-laser excitation at 640 nm, following the intramolecular energy transfer from the indigo dye to the Yb ions. Additionally, the excitation energy of the Yb ion was upconverted to the blue emission of the Tm ion at 475 nm. This upconversion blue emission was achieved by excitation with a CW Xe lamp at an excitation power of 0.14 mW/cm 2 , which is significantly lower than the solar irradiation power of 1.4 mW/cm 2 at 640 ± 5 nm.

  15. Hybrid model based unified scheme for endoscopic Cerenkov and radio-luminescence tomography: Simulation demonstration

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Lin; Cao, Xin; Ren, Qingyun; Chen, Xueli; He, Xiaowei

    2018-05-01

    Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is an imaging method that uses an optical imaging scheme to probe a radioactive tracer. Application of CLI with clinically approved radioactive tracers has opened an opportunity for translating optical imaging from preclinical to clinical applications. Such translation was further improved by developing an endoscopic CLI system. However, two-dimensional endoscopic imaging cannot identify accurate depth and obtain quantitative information. Here, we present an imaging scheme to retrieve the depth and quantitative information from endoscopic Cerenkov luminescence tomography, which can also be applied for endoscopic radio-luminescence tomography. In the scheme, we first constructed a physical model for image collection, and then a mathematical model for characterizing the luminescent light propagation from tracer to the endoscopic detector. The mathematical model is a hybrid light transport model combined with the 3rd order simplified spherical harmonics approximation, diffusion, and radiosity equations to warrant accuracy and speed. The mathematical model integrates finite element discretization, regularization, and primal-dual interior-point optimization to retrieve the depth and the quantitative information of the tracer. A heterogeneous-geometry-based numerical simulation was used to explore the feasibility of the unified scheme, which demonstrated that it can provide a satisfactory balance between imaging accuracy and computational burden.

  16. Size-independent peak shift between normal and upconversion ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    2014-02-12

    Feb 12, 2014 ... 1Crystal Growth Centre, Anna University, Chennai 600 025, India. 2Laser Physics ... the power-dependent upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL), it has been shown that the origin of UCPL ... For the past few years, studies.

  17. Gold nanoparticles assisted surface enhanced Raman scattering and luminescence of Er{sup 3+} doped zinc–sodium tellurite glass

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ghoshal, S.K.; Awang, Asmahani, E-mail: asmahani_awang@yahoo.com; Sahar, M.R.; Arifin, R.

    2015-03-15

    Significant enhancements in Er{sup 3+} luminescence and Raman intensity mediated via surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) embedded zinc–sodium tellurite glass are reported. The observed modifications in the physical and spectroscopic properties are ascribed to the alterations in the glass network. XRD pattern confirms the amorphous nature of prepared glass sample. UV–vis-NIR spectra reveal seven absorption bands. Surface plasmon band is evidenced around 626–630 nm. TEM images manifest the growth of non-spherical Au NPs with average diameter between ∼7.2 nm and 8.6 nm. The visible up-conversion (UC) emission for all samples under 779 nm excitation exhibits three bands centered at 503 nm (green), 546 (green) and 637 nm (red) ascribed to {sup 2}H{sub 11/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2}, {sup 4}S{sub 3/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} transitions. Glass sample with 0.4 mol% Au displaying the highest luminescence intensity with enhancement factor of 3.85 and 3.56 for green bands, and 7.61 for the red band is ascribed to the NPs local field enhancement and energy transfer between rare earth (RE) ions and NPs. FTIR spectra show the vibration of ZnO{sub 4} bonds, Te-O bond in TeO{sub 3} (tp) and TeO{sub 4} (tbp) units and the hydroxyl groups. Raman spectra demonstrate the presence of Er-O and Zn-O bond, anti-symmetric vibrations of Te-O-Te bonds and stretching modes of non-bonded oxygen exists in TeO{sub 3} and TeO{sub 3+1} unit. The amplifications in Raman signals by a factor of 1.62, 1.58, 1.64, 1.68 and 1.69 corresponding to the peak centered at 262 cm{sup −1}, 382 cm{sup −1}, 521 cm{sup −1}, 670 cm{sup −1} and 725 cm{sup −1} are attributed to the contribution of a surface plasmon generating a strong, localized and secondary field. We assert that our glass compositions offer favorable potential to develop solid state lasers and other versatile nanophotonic devices. - Highlights: • Gold

  18. Up-conversion monodispersed spheres of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+: green and red emission tailoring mediated by heating temperature, and greatly enhanced luminescence by Mn2+ doping.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Qi; Song, Caiyun; Li, Xiaodong; Sun, Xudong; Li, Ji-Guang

    2018-04-09

    Submicron sized, monodispersed spheres of Mn2+, Yb3+/Er3+ and Mn2+/Yb3+/Er3+ doped α-NaYF4 were easily autoclaved from mixed solutions of the component nitrates and ammonium fluoride (NH4F), in the presence of EDTA-2Na. Detailed characterizations of the resultant phosphors were obtained using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, STEM, PLE/PL spectroscopy, and fluorescence decay analysis. Finer structure and better crystal perfection was observed at a higher calcination temperature, and the spherical shape and excellent dispersion of the original particles was retained at temperatures up to 600 °C. Under the 980 nm infrared excitation, the Yb3+/Er3+-doped sample (calcined at 400 °C) exhibits a stronger green emission centered at ∼524 nm (2H11/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+) and a weaker red emission centered at ∼657 nm (4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+). A 200 °C increase in the temperature from 400 °C to 600 °C resulted in the dominant red emission originating from the 4F9/2 → 4I15/2 transition of Er3+, instead of the previously dominant green one. Mn2+ doping induced a remarkable more enhanced intensity at ∼657 nm and ∼667 nm (red emission area) than that at ∼524 nm and ∼546 nm (green emission area), because of the non-radiative energy transfer between Mn2+ and Er3+. However, a poor thermal stability was induced by Mn2+ doping. The observed upconversion luminescence of the samples calcined at 400 °C and 600 °C followed the two photon process and the four photon process, respectively.

  19. Mid infrared upconversion spectroscopy using diffuse reflectance

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Sanders, Nicolai Højer; Kehlet, Louis M.; Dam, Jeppe Seidelin

    2014-01-01

    specifically that upconversion methods can be deployed using a diffuse reflectance setup where the test sample is irradiated by a thermal light source, i.e. a globar. The diffuse reflectance geometry is particularly well suited when a transmission setup cannot be used. This situation may happen for highly...

  20. Up conversion luminescence of Yb3+–Er3+ codoped CeO2 nanocrystals with imaging applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Cho, Jung-Hyun; Bass, Michael; Babu, Suresh; Dowding, Janet M.; Self, William T.; Seal, Sudipta

    2012-01-01

    The effects of Yb 3+ doping on up conversion in Yb 3+ –Er 3+ co-doped cerium oxide nanocrystals are reported. Green emission around 545 and 560 nm attributed to the 2 H 11/2 , 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 transitions and red emission around 660 and 680 nm due to 4 F 9/2 → 4 I 15/2 transitions under 975 nm excitation were studied at room temperature. Both green and red emission intensities increase as the Yb 3+ concentration increases from 0%. Emission strength starts to decrease after the Yb 3+ concentration exceeds a critical amount. The green emission strength peaks around 1% Yb 3+ concentration while the red emission strength peaks around 4%. An explanation of competition between different decay mechanisms is presented to account for the luminescence dependence on Yb 3+ concentration. Also, the application of up converting nanoparticles in biomedical imaging is demonstrated. - Highlights: ► Up conversion in Yb 3+ –Er 3+ co-doped cerium oxide nanocrystals. ► Different decay mechanisms determine luminescence efficiency. ► Up converting nanoparticles in biomedical imaging is demonstrated.

  1. Investigating the evolution of local structure around Er and Yb in ZnO:Er and ZnO:Er, Yb on annealing using X-ray absorption spectroscopy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Anjana, R.; Jayaraj, M. K.; Yadav, A. K.; Jha, S. N.; Bhattacharyya, D.

    2018-04-01

    The local structure around Er and Yb centre in ZnO favouring upconversion luminescence was studied using EXAFS (Extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy). Due to the ionic radii difference between Zn and Er, Yb ions, the dopants cannot replace Zn in the ZnO lattice properly. Er2O3 and Yb2O3 impurity phases are formed at the grain boundaries of ZnO. It is found that the local structure around the Er centre in ZnO is modified on annealing in air. The symmetry around both erbium and ytterbium reduces with increase in annealing temperature. Symmetry reduction will favour the intra-4f transition and the energy transitions causing upconversion luminescence. By fitting the EXAFS data with theoretically simulated data, it is found that the Er centre forms a local structure similar to C4ν symmetry which is a distorted octahedron. On annealing the sample to 1200 °C, all the erbium centres are transformed to C4ν symmetry causing enhanced upconversion emission. Yb centre has also been modified on annealing. The decrease in co-ordination number with annealing temperature will decrease the symmetry and increase the near infrared absorption cross section. The decrease in symmetry around both the erbium and ytterbium centre and formation of C4ν symmetry around Er centre is the reason behind the activation of upconversion luminescence with high temperature annealing in both Er doped and Er, Yb co-doped ZnO samples. The study will be useful for the synthesis of high efficiency upconversion materials.

  2. Strong enhancement of the upconversion emission in ZrO{sub 2}: Yb{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+}, Gd{sup 3+} nanocubes synthesized with Na{sub 2}S

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Urbina-Frías, Alejandra; López-Luke, Tzarara; Oliva, Jorge [Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica, A.P. 1-948, León, Guanajuato 37150 (Mexico); Salas, Pedro [Centro de Física Aplicada y Tecnología Avanzada, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, A.P. 1-1010, Querétaro 76000 (Mexico); Torres-Castro, Alejandro [Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, A.P. 126-F, Monterrey, NeNuevo Leon 66450 (Mexico); De la Rosa, Elder, E-mail: elder@cio.mx [Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica, A.P. 1-948, León, Guanajuato 37150 (Mexico)

    2016-04-15

    In this work, the structural, morphological and luminescent characterization of ZrO{sub 2}:Yb{sup 3+},Er{sup 3+}, Gd{sup 3+} nanocrystals prepared with Na{sub 2}S by precipitation method is reported. The XRD spectra showed a mixture of tetragonal (88%) and monoclinic phases (12%) in samples fabricated with and without Na{sub 2}S. The tetragonal phase (100%) was stabilized by the introduction of the Gd{sup 3+}. According to TEM images, samples showed a cubic morphology with an average size of 150 nm, when both, Na{sub 2}S and Gd{sup 3+} were added. Red (678 nm), green (545 nm) and ultraviolet (275, 285 nm) emissions were obtained as a result of the upconversion process due to the energy transfer between Yb{sup 3+}–Er{sup 3+}–Gd{sup 3+} ions, under 970 nm of excitation. The integrated red band showed an increment of 40% and 125%, for samples prepared with Na{sub 2}S and combined with Gd{sup 3+}, respectively, compared to the ZrO{sub 2}:Yb{sup 3+}–Er{sup 3+} sample. Such increments are explained in terms of the surface pasivation by using Na{sub 2}S during the synthesis process and the role of Gd{sup 3+} as a reservoir of energy from Er{sup 3+}. - Highlights: • ZrO{sub 2}:Yb,Er nanoparticles were synthesized by a precipitation method. • ZrO{sub 2}:Yb,Er nanoparticles were prepared with Na{sub 2}S and sensitized with Gd{sup 3+}. • An increment of 40% in luminescence occurred in samples prepared with Na{sub 2}S. • An increment of 125% were obtained by the synergistic effect between Na{sub 2}S and Gd3{sup +}.

  3. Luminescent rare earth vanadate nanoparticles doped with Eu3+ and Bi3 for sensing and imaging applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Escudero, Alberto; Carrillo-Carrión, Carolina; Zyuzin, Mikhail; Hartmann, Raimo; Ashraf, Sumaira; Parak, Wolfgang J.

    2016-03-01

    Nanoparticles (NPs) are attracting interest in nanomedicine due to their potential medical applications, ranging from optical biolabels and contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging to carriers for drug and gene delivery for disease therapy.[1] Rare earth (RE) based nanophosphors exhibit important advantages compared with other available luminescent materials, such as quantum dots and nanostructures functionalized with organic dyes, due to their lower toxicities, photostabilities, high thermal and chemical stabilities, high luminescence quantum yields, and sharp emission bands.[2] Yttrium orthovanadate NPs doped with Eu3+ and Bi3+, functionalized with poly acryl acid (PAA), and excitable by near-ultraviolet light have been synthesized by homogeneous precipitation at 120 °C from solutions of rare earth precursors (yttrium acetylacetonate and europium nitrate), bismuth nitrate, sodium orthovanadate, and PAA, in an ethylene glycol/water mixture. Quasispheres with sizes from 93 to 51 nm were obtained. The as synthesized NPs were already functionalized with PAA. The NPs showed the typical red luminescence of Eu3+, which can be excited with near-UV light through an energy transfer from the vanadate anion. The presence of Bi3+ shifts the maximum of the broad excitation band from 280 nm to 342 nm. This excitation path is much more efficient than the direct excitation of the Eu3+ electronic levels, and results in a much higher luminescence. The NPs can be uptaken by HeLa cells, and are eventually located in the lysosomes after being internalized. Finally, the functionalization with PAA provides -COOH anchors for adding functional ligands of biomedical interest that can be used for sensing applications.

  4. Influence of excitation light on the frequency upconversion of trivalent lanthanide ions

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fu Zhenxing; Zheng Hairong; Tian Yu; Zhang Zhenglong; Cui Min

    2010-01-01

    The upconversion mechanisms of the 1 D 2 level of Tm 3+ ion under different excitation lights were analyzed. The influences of the excitation lights on the upconversion process, nonradiative relaxation from level 3 F 2 to 3 H 4 and fluorescence properties were investigated. It was shown that the one-color cw excitation could affect the profile of fluorescence, while information of the nonradiative relaxation could not be extracted. The nonradiative relaxation rate measured with the one-color pulsed excitation in crystal phase was in agreement with what was obtained in the free-standing nanometer crystal particles through the two-color pulsed excitation. The characteristics of the fluorescent emissions of Tm 3+ ions doped in various host materials were also discussed under different excitation lights. As a result of the discussion, a possible way to obtain nonradiative relaxation rate directly from a spectroscopic method in frequency domain was proposed. The study can be extended to other trivalent lanthanide ions that have upconversion through excited state absorption.

  5. Yb3+ sensitized Tm3+ upconversion in tellurite lead oxide glass.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mohanty, Deepak Kumar; Rai, Vineet Kumar; Dwivedi, Y

    2012-04-01

    Triply ionized thulium/thulium--ytterbium doped/codoped TeO2-Pb3O4 (TPO) glasses have been fabricated by classical quenching method. The upconversion emission spectra in the Tm3+/Tm3+-Yb3+ doped/codoped glasses upon excitation with a diode laser lasing at ∼980 nm has been studied. Effect of the addition of the Yb3+ on the upconversion emission intensity in the visible and near infrared regions of the Tm3+ doped in TPO glass has been studied and the processes involved explored. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  6. One-step synthesis of solid state luminescent carbon-based silica nanohybrids for imaging of latent fingerprints

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Feng; Li, Hongren; Cui, Tianfang

    2017-11-01

    Fluorescent carbon-based nanomaterials(CNs) with tunable visible emission are biocompatible, environment friendly and most suitable for various biomedical applications. Despite the successes in preparing strongly fluorescent CNs, preserving the luminescence in solid materials is still challenging because of the serious emission quenching of CNs in solid state materials. In this work, fluorescent carbon and silica nanohybrids (SiCNHs) were synthesized via a simple one-step hydrothermal approach by carbonizing sodium citrate and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane(APTES), and hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate(TEOS). The resultant SiCNs were characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FT-IR, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The SiCNs exhibited strong fluorescence in both aqueous and solid states. The luminescent solid state SiCNs power were successfully used as a fluorescent labeling material for enhanced imaging of latent fingerprints(LFPs) on single background colour and multi-coloured surfaces substrates in forensic science for individual identification.

  7. Redox reactions and mechanism of luminescence in BaFCl:Eu

    CERN Document Server

    Upadeo, S V; Gundurao, T K

    1998-01-01

    The phenomenon of stimulable luminescence of phosphors pre-irradiated with high-energy radiation is widely used in the field of imaging. Phosphors such as BaFX:Eu (X = Cl, Br) are extensively used in x-ray screens for digital image processing. There is, however, divided opinion regarding the mechanism responsible for the luminescence process in these materials. In this paper we have discussed the role of Eu sup 3 sup +reversible Eu sup 2 sup + conversion in BaFCl:Eu phosphor using PL, TL, TL emission and ESR techniques. (author)

  8. Thermal noise in mid-infrared broadband upconversion detectors

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Barh, Ajanta; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter; Pedersen, Christian

    2018-01-01

    Low noise detection with state-of-the-art mid-infrared (MIR) detectors (e.g., PbS, PbSe, InSb, HgCdTe) is a primary challenge owing to the intrinsic thermal background radiation of the low bandgap detector material itself. However, researchers have employed frequency upconversion based detectors...... of the noise-equivalent power of an UCD system. In this article, we rigorously analyze the optical power generated by frequency upconversion of the intrinsic black-body radiation in the nonlinear material itself due to the crystals residual emissivity, i.e. absorption. The thermal radiation is particularly...... prominent at the optical absorption edge of the nonlinear material even at room temperature. We consider a conventional periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) based MIR-UCD for the investigation. The UCD is designed to cover a broad spectral range, overlapping with the entire absorption edge of the PPLN...

  9. Upconversion of ion-sound to Langmuir turbulence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vlahos, L.; Papadopoulos, K.

    1979-01-01

    It is shown that upconversion of ion sound to Langmuir waves is impossible in a plasma with upsilon/sub d/< upsilon/sub e/. Previous conclusions to the opposite were in error, owing to neglect of the reverse process (i.e., reabsorbtion of Langmuir waves), which always dominates for upsilon/sub d/< upsilon/sub e/

  10. Effect of Tm{sup 3+} codoping on the near-infrared and upconversion emissions of Er{sup 3+} in TeO{sub 2}–ZnO–ZnF{sub 2} glasses

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Miguel, A. [Departamento de Física Aplicada I, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU,Alda. Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao (Spain); Arriandiaga, M.A. [Departamento de Física Aplicada II, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU, Apartado 644, Bilbao (Spain); Morea, R. [Instituto de Optica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Serrano 121, 28006 Madrid (Spain); Fernandez, J. [Departamento de Física Aplicada I, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU,Alda. Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao (Spain); Materials Physics Center CSIC-UPV/EHU and Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 San Sebastian (Spain); Gonzalo, J. [Instituto de Optica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas CSIC, Serrano 121, 28006 Madrid (Spain); Balda, R., E-mail: wupbacrr@bi.ehu.es [Departamento de Física Aplicada I, Escuela Superior de Ingeniería, Universidad del País Vasco UPV/EHU,Alda. Urquijo s/n, 48013 Bilbao (Spain); Materials Physics Center CSIC-UPV/EHU and Donostia International Physics Center, 20018 San Sebastian (Spain)

    2014-10-15

    In this work, we report the near-infrared emission and upconversion of Er{sup 3+}–Tm{sup 3+} codoped fluorotellurite TeO{sub 2}–ZnO–ZnF{sub 2} glasses for different Tm{sup 3+} concentrations by using steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy. A broad emission from 1350 to 1700 nm corresponding to the {sup 3}H{sub 4}→{sup 3}F{sub 4} (Tm{sup 3+}) and {sup 4}I{sub 13/2}→{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} (Er{sup 3+}) emissions which cover the complete telecommunication window of the wavelength-division-multiplexing transmission systems is observed. The full width at half-maximum of this broadband increases with increasing Tm{sup 3+}/Er{sup 3+} concentration ratio up to a value of∼150 nm. Energy transfer between Er{sup 3+} and Tm{sup 3+} ions is also observed and analyzed by both the temporal behavior of the near-infrared luminescence and the effect of Tm{sup 3+} codoping on the visible upconversion of Er{sup 3+} ions. The addition of Tm{sup 3+} reduces the upconverted green emission due to Er{sup 3+}→Tm{sup 3+} energy transfer whereas the red emission is enhanced due to the cross-relaxation {sup 3}F{sub 4}→{sup 3}H{sub 6}(Tm{sup 3+}):{sup 4}I{sub 11/2}→{sup 4}F{sub 9/2}(Er{sup 3+}) process. - Highlights: • Broadband emission covering the bands S, C+L and U of the optical telecommunications. • The effect of Tm{sup 3+} concentration were investigated in Er{sup 3+}–Tm{sup 3+} codoped fluorotellurite glasses. • Efficient Er{sup 3+}↔Tm{sup 3+} energy transfer in fluorotellurite glasses. • Increase of the red upconversion emission with Tm{sup 3+} concentration due to cross-relaxation processes.

  11. A modified energy transfer model for determination of upconversion emission of β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Er: Role of self-quenching effect

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Zhu, Hongyuan [The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Lin, Min, E-mail: minlin@mail.xjtu.edu.cn [The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Jin, Guorui [The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Lu, Tian Jian [Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Xu, Feng [The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China); Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049 (China)

    2017-05-15

    A modified energy transfer model by incorporating self-quenching effect is introduced to determine upconversion emission of β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb,Er. The simulation results agree well with existing experimental results, demonstrating the critical role of self-quenching effect in upconversion emission. Our results confirm that a 4.4-fold increase of green upconversion and 86-fold increase in the intensity of red upconversion emission could be realized by suppressing self-quenching. In addition, the optimal doping concentrations for integral emission intensity are found to be independent of excitation power, while the green to red ratio is found to rely significantly on excitation power. Our model offers mechanistic insight into upconversion emission processes and provides inspirations in improving upconversion emission efficiency through optimization of energy transfer pathways in different types of matrix sub-lattice.

  12. Enhancing upconversion emission of Er, Yb co-doped highly transparent YF3 films by synergistic tuning nano-textured morphology and crystallinity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Qu, Ming-Hao; Wang, Ru-Zhi; Chen, Yan; Zhang, Ying; Li, Kai-Yu; Zhou, Hua; Yan, Hui

    2014-01-01

    Highly transparent Er, Yb codoped YF 3 upconversion films were successfully prepared by electron beam deposition method. The effects of the substrate temperature on the morphology, crystallinity and emission characteristics of Er, Yb codoped YF 3 films were studied carefully. It was found that the morphology and crystallinity varied from smooth amorphous to root-intertwined polycrystalline structure with the substrate temperature increase. Besides, the emission characteristics of the films can be modulated by the synergy of their surface morphologies and crystallinities. Remarkably, a large enhancement of the upconversion emission, up to five decades while only an insignificant decrease of the optical transmittance (10% at most), was achieved by forming root-intertwined polycrystalline structures. These highly transparent upconversion films may have good potential for enhancing the conversion efficiency of wide band-gap solar cells. -- Highlights: • Er, Yb co-dopedYF 3 upconversion films have been successfully prepared. • The upconversion property can be modulated by morphology and crystallinity. • The upconversion transparent YF 3 films are promising for solar cells applications

  13. Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2-CuxS double-shelled hollow spheres for enhanced chemo-/photothermal anti-cancer therapy and dual-modal imaging

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Dan; Yang, Guixin; Wang, Xingmei; Lv, Ruichan; Gai, Shili; He, Fei; Gulzar, Arif; Yang, Piaoping

    2015-07-01

    Multifunctional composites have gained significant interest due to their unique properties which show potential in biological imaging and therapeutics. However, the design of an efficient combination of multiple diagnostic and therapeutic modes is still a challenge. In this contribution, Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2 double-shelled hollow spheres (DSHSs) with up-conversion fluorescence have been successfully prepared through a facile integrated sacrifice template method, followed by a calcination process. It is found that the double-shelled structure with large specific surface area and uniform shape is composed of an inner shell of luminescent Y2O3:Yb,Er and an outer mesoporous silica shell. Ultra small CuxS nanoparticles (about 2.5 nm) served as photothermal agents, and a chemotherapeutic agent (doxorubicin, DOX) was then attached onto the surface of mesoporous silica, forming a DOX-DSHS-CuxS composite. The composite exhibits high anti-cancer efficacy due to the synergistic photothermal therapy (PTT) induced by the attached CuxS nanoparticles and the enhanced chemotherapy promoted by the heat from the CuxS-based PTT when irradiated by 980 nm near-infrared (NIR) light. Moreover, the composite shows excellent in vitro and in vivo X-ray computed tomography (CT) and up-conversion fluorescence (UCL) imaging properties owing to the doped rare earth ions, thus making it possible to achieve the target of imaging-guided synergistic therapy.Multifunctional composites have gained significant interest due to their unique properties which show potential in biological imaging and therapeutics. However, the design of an efficient combination of multiple diagnostic and therapeutic modes is still a challenge. In this contribution, Y2O3:Yb,Er@mSiO2 double-shelled hollow spheres (DSHSs) with up-conversion fluorescence have been successfully prepared through a facile integrated sacrifice template method, followed by a calcination process. It is found that the double-shelled structure with large

  14. DNA imaging and quantification using chemi-luminescent probes; Imagerie et quantification d`ADN par chimiluminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dorner, G; Redjdal, N; Laniece, P; Siebert, R; Tricoire, H; Valentin, L [Groupe I.P.B., Experimental Research Division, Inst. de Physique Nucleaire, Paris-11 Univ., 91 - Orsay (France)

    1999-11-01

    During this interdisciplinary study we have developed an ultra sensitive and reliable imaging system of DNA labelled by chemiluminescence. Based on a liquid nitrogen cooled CCD, the system achieves sensitivities down to 10 fg/mm{sup 2} labelled DNA over a surface area of 25 x 25 cm{sup 2} with a sub-millimeter resolution. Commercially available chemi-luminescent - and enhancer molecules are compared and their reaction conditions optimized for best signal-to-noise ratios. Double labelling was performed to verify quantification with radioactive probes. (authors) 1 fig.

  15. Cherenkov luminescence measurements with digital silicon photomultipliers: a feasibility study

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ciarrocchi, Esther; Belcari, Nicola; Guerra, Alberto Del [Department of Physics, University of Pisa, Pisa (Italy); INFN, section of Pisa, Pisa (Italy); Cherry, Simon R. [Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Davis, CA (United States); Lehnert, Adrienne; Hunter, William C. J.; McDougald, Wendy; Miyaoka, Robert S.; Kinahan, Paul E. [Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA (United States)

    2015-11-16

    A feasibility study was done to assess the capability of digital silicon photomultipliers to measure the Cherenkov luminescence emitted by a β source. Cherenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is possible with a charge coupled device (CCD) based technology, but a stand-alone technique for quantitative activity measurements based on Cherenkov luminescence has not yet been developed. Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are photon counting devices with a fast impulse response and can potentially be used to quantify β-emitting radiotracer distributions by CLI. In this study, a Philips digital photon counting (PDPC) silicon photomultiplier detector was evaluated for measuring Cherenkov luminescence. The PDPC detector is a matrix of avalanche photodiodes, which were read one at a time in a dark count map (DCM) measurement mode (much like a CCD). This reduces the device active area but allows the information from a single avalanche photodiode to be preserved, which is not possible with analog SiPMs. An algorithm to reject the noisiest photodiodes and to correct the measured count rate for the dark current was developed. The results show that, in DCM mode and at (10–13) °C, the PDPC has a dynamic response to different levels of Cherenkov luminescence emitted by a β source and transmitted through an opaque medium. This suggests the potential for this approach to provide quantitative activity measurements. Interestingly, the potential use of the PDPC in DCM mode for direct imaging of Cherenkov luminescence, as a opposed to a scalar measurement device, was also apparent. We showed that a PDPC tile in DCM mode is able to detect and image a β source through its Cherenkov radiation emission. The detector’s dynamic response to different levels of radiation suggests its potential quantitative capabilities, and the DCM mode allows imaging with a better spatial resolution than the conventional event-triggered mode. Finally, the same acquisition procedure and data processing could

  16. Cherenkov luminescence measurements with digital silicon photomultipliers: a feasibility study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ciarrocchi, Esther; Belcari, Nicola; Guerra, Alberto Del; Cherry, Simon R.; Lehnert, Adrienne; Hunter, William C. J.; McDougald, Wendy; Miyaoka, Robert S.; Kinahan, Paul E.

    2015-01-01

    A feasibility study was done to assess the capability of digital silicon photomultipliers to measure the Cherenkov luminescence emitted by a β source. Cherenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is possible with a charge coupled device (CCD) based technology, but a stand-alone technique for quantitative activity measurements based on Cherenkov luminescence has not yet been developed. Silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) are photon counting devices with a fast impulse response and can potentially be used to quantify β-emitting radiotracer distributions by CLI. In this study, a Philips digital photon counting (PDPC) silicon photomultiplier detector was evaluated for measuring Cherenkov luminescence. The PDPC detector is a matrix of avalanche photodiodes, which were read one at a time in a dark count map (DCM) measurement mode (much like a CCD). This reduces the device active area but allows the information from a single avalanche photodiode to be preserved, which is not possible with analog SiPMs. An algorithm to reject the noisiest photodiodes and to correct the measured count rate for the dark current was developed. The results show that, in DCM mode and at (10–13) °C, the PDPC has a dynamic response to different levels of Cherenkov luminescence emitted by a β source and transmitted through an opaque medium. This suggests the potential for this approach to provide quantitative activity measurements. Interestingly, the potential use of the PDPC in DCM mode for direct imaging of Cherenkov luminescence, as a opposed to a scalar measurement device, was also apparent. We showed that a PDPC tile in DCM mode is able to detect and image a β source through its Cherenkov radiation emission. The detector’s dynamic response to different levels of radiation suggests its potential quantitative capabilities, and the DCM mode allows imaging with a better spatial resolution than the conventional event-triggered mode. Finally, the same acquisition procedure and data processing could

  17. Spectral tuning via multi-phonon-assisted stokes and anti-stokes excitations in LaF{sub 3}: Tm{sup 3+} nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gao, Dangli, E-mail: gaodangli@163.com [School of Materials & Mineral Resources, Xi' an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi' an, Shaanxi 710055 (China); College of Science, Xi' an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi' an, Shaanxi 710055 (China); Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Nano Materials and Technology, Xi' an, Shaanxi 710055 (China); Tian, Dongping, E-mail: dptian@xauat.edu.cn [School of Materials & Mineral Resources, Xi' an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi' an, Shaanxi 710055 (China); College of Science, Xi' an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi' an, Shaanxi 710055 (China); Chong, Bo; Li, Long [College of Science, Xi' an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi' an, Shaanxi 710055 (China); Zhang, Xiangyu [College of Science, Chang' an University, Xi' an, Shaanxi 710064 (China)

    2016-09-05

    We present a facile and highly effective method to tailor upconversion (UC) emission from LaF{sub 3}: Tm{sup 3+} nanoparticles (NPs) by adjusting ambient temperature from 20 K to 400 K accompanied with the pulse laser excitation. Spectral tuning mechanism controlled by ambient temperature at pulse laser excitation is revealed, and a mechanism based on the modification on multi-phonon relaxation rates for the rapid population of intermediate level {sup 3}H{sub 4} and multi-phonon-assisted excited state absorption is proposed. Based on multi-phonon relaxation theory and time-resolved photoluminescence studies, it is reasonable that UC luminescence under short-pulse laser excitation mainly originates from the ions at/near the surface of NPs. These exciting findings in ambient temperature accompanied with the short-pulse excitation dependent UC selectivity offer a general approach to tailoring lanthanide related UC emissions, which will benefit multicolor displays and imaging. - Graphical abstract: An effective method to tailor upconversion from LaF{sub 3}: Tm{sup 3+} nanoparticles by adjusting ambient temperature accompanied with the short-pulse laser excitation is presented and the spectral tuning mechanism based the modification on multi-phonon relaxation rate and multi-phonon-assisted excited state absorption is also revealed. - Highlights: • The luminescence switching is controlled by temperature and pulse duration. • The mechanism based on the multi-phonon-assisted excitations is proposed. • Blue luminescence under short-pulse excitation originates from the surface ions. • Temperature has a big effect on luminescence color output.

  18. AgesGalore-A software program for evaluating spatially resolved luminescence data

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Greilich, S.; Harney, H.-L.; Woda, C.; Wagner, G.A.

    2006-01-01

    Low-light luminescence is usually recorded by photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) yielding integrated photon-number data. Highly sensitive CCD (charged coupled device) detectors allow for the spatially resolved recording of luminescence. The resulting two-dimensional images require suitable software for data processing. We present a recently developed software program specially designed for equivalent-dose evaluation in the framework of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating. The software is capable of appropriate CCD data handling, parameter estimation using a Bayesian approach, and the pixel-wise fitting of functions for time and dose dependencies to the luminescence signal. The results of the fitting procedure and the equivalent-dose evaluation can be presented and analyzed both as spatial and as frequency distributions

  19. Bright upconversion luminescence and increased Tc in CaBi2Ta2O9:Er high temperature piezoelectric ceramics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Peng Dengfeng; Wang Xusheng; Yao Xi; Xu Chaonan; Lin Jian; Sun Tiantuo

    2012-01-01

    Er 3+ doped CaBi 2 Ta 2 O 9 (CBT) bismuth layered-structure high temperature piezoelectric ceramics were synthesized by the traditional solid state method. The upconversion (UC) emission properties of Er 3+ doped CBT ceramics were investigated as a function of Er 3+ concentration and incident pump power. A bright green upconverted emission was obtained under excitation 980 nm at room temperature. The observed strong green and weak red emission bands corresponded to the transitions from 4 S 3/2 and 4 F 9/2 to 4 I 15/2 , respectively. The dependence of UC emission intensity on pumping power indicated that a three-photon process was involved in UC emissions. Studies of dielectric with temperature have also been carried out. Introduction of Er increased the Curie temperature of CBT, thus, making this ceramic suitable for sensor applications at higher temperatures. Because of its strong up-converted emission and increased Tc, the multifunctional high temperature piezoelectric ceramic may be useful in high temperature sensor, fluorescence thermometry, and optical-electro integration applications.

  20. Enhancing multiphoton upconversion through energy clustering at sublattice level

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Juan; Deng, Renren; Macdonald, Mark A B; Chen, Bolei; Yuan, Jikang; Wang, Feng; Chi, Dongzhi; Hor, Andy Sum Andy; Zhang, Peng; Liu, Guokui; Han, Yu; Liu, Xiaogang

    2013-01-01

    (calculated as 98 mol%). This allows us to generate an unusual four-photon-promoted violet upconversion emission from Er 3+ with an intensity that is more than eight times higher than previously reported. Our results highlight that the approach to enhancing

  1. Infrared to near-infrared and visible upconversion mechanisms in LiYF 4: Yb3+, Ho3+

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Martín-Rodríguez, R.; Meijerink, A.|info:eu-repo/dai/nl/075044986

    2014-01-01

    Upconversion materials have regained interest in recent years due to their potential to enhance the efficiency of solar cells. The research has focused on lanthanide based upconverters, especially Er3+- and Yb 3+-doped materials. In this paper we report Ho3+ and Yb3+ upconversion after excitation

  2. Cerenkov imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Das, Sudeep; Thorek, Daniel L J; Grimm, Jan

    2014-01-01

    Cerenkov luminescence (CL) has been used recently in a plethora of medical applications like imaging and therapy with clinically relevant medical isotopes. The range of medical isotopes used is fairly large and expanding. The generation of in vivo light is useful since it circumvents depth limitations for excitation light. Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is much cheaper in terms of infrastructure than positron emission tomography (PET) and is particularly useful for imaging of superficial structures. Imaging can basically be done using a sensitive camera optimized for low-light conditions, and it has a better resolution than any other nuclear imaging modality. CLI has been shown to effectively diagnose disease with regularly used PET isotope ((18)F-FDG) in clinical setting. Cerenkov luminescence tomography, Cerenkov luminescence endoscopy, and intraoperative Cerenkov imaging have also been explored with positive conclusions expanding the current range of applications. Cerenkov has also been used to improve PET imaging resolution since the source of both is the radioisotope being used. Smart imaging agents have been designed based on modulation of the Cerenkov signal using small molecules and nanoparticles giving better insight of the tumor biology. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Tunable Luminescent Carbon Nanospheres with Well-Defined Nanoscale Chemistry for Synchronized Imaging and Therapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mukherjee, Prabuddha; Misra, Santosh K; Gryka, Mark C; Chang, Huei-Huei; Tiwari, Saumya; Wilson, William L; Scott, John W; Bhargava, Rohit; Pan, Dipanjan

    2015-09-01

    In this work, we demonstrate the significance of defined surface chemistry in synthesizing luminescent carbon nanomaterials (LCN) with the capability to perform dual functions (i.e., diagnostic imaging and therapy). The surface chemistry of LCN has been tailored to achieve two different varieties: one that has a thermoresponsive polymer and aids in the controlled delivery of drugs, and the other that has fluorescence emission both in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) region and can be explored for advanced diagnostic modes. Although these particles are synthesized using simple, yet scalable hydrothermal methods, they exhibit remarkable stability, photoluminescence and biocompatibility. The photoluminescence properties of these materials are tunable through careful choice of surface-passivating agents and can be exploited for both visible and NIR imaging. Here the synthetic strategy demonstrates the possibility to incorporate a potent antimetastatic agent for inhibiting melanomas in vitro. Since both particles are Raman active, their dispersion on skin surface is reported with Raman imaging and utilizing photoluminescence, their depth penetration is analysed using fluorescence 3D imaging. Our results indicate a new generation of tunable carbon-based probes for diagnosis, therapy or both. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. High-resolution light microscopy using luminescent nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ohulchanskyy, Tymish Y; Roy, Indrajit; Yong, Ken-Tye; Pudavar, Haridas E; Prasad, Paras N

    2010-01-01

    This review presents recent progress in the development of the luminescent nanoparticles for confocal and multiphoton microscopy. Four classes of nanomaterials are discussed: (1) silica-based nanoparticles doped with fluorescent molecules, (2) gold nanoparticles, (3) semiconductor nanocrystals (quantum dots/rods), and (4) nanophosphors. Special considerations are given to recently developed imaging nanoprobes, such as (1) organically modified silica (ORMOSIL) nanoparticles doped with two-photon absorbing fluorophores, which exhibit aggregation-enhanced fluorescence (AEF), and (2) nanophosphors (ceramic nanoparticles containing luminescent lanthanoid ions). Advantages and disadvantages of every class of nanomaterials and their specific applications are briefly discussed.

  5. Aptamer biosensor for Salmonella typhimurium detection based on luminescence energy transfer from Mn2 +-doped NaYF4:Yb, Tm upconverting nanoparticles to gold nanorods

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Keyi; Zhang, Jianguo; Zhang, Liping; Wang, Lun; Chen, Hongqi

    2017-01-01

    A highly sensitive luminescent bioassay for the detection of Salmonella typhimurium was fabricated using Mn2 +-doped NaYF4:Yb,Tm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as the donor and gold nanorods (Au NRs) as the acceptor and utilizing an energy transfer (LET) system. Mn2 +-doped NaYF4:Yb,Tm UCNPs with a strong emission peak at 807 nm were obtained by changing the doped ion ratio. Carboxyl-terminated Mn2 +-doped NaYF4:Yb,Tm UCNPs were coupled with S. typhimurium aptamers, which were employed to capture and concentrate S. typhimurium. The electrostatic interactions shorten the distance between the negatively charged donor and the positively charged acceptor, which results in luminescence quenching. The added S. typhimurium leads to the restoration of luminescence due to the formation of UCNPs-aptamers-S. typhimurium, which repels the UCNPs-aptamers from the Au NRs. The LET system does not occur because of the nonexistence of the luminescence emission band of Mn2 +-doped NaYF4:Yb,Tm UCNPs, which had large spectral overlap with the absorption band of Au NRs. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of detecting S. typhimurium was 12 to 5 × 105 cfu/mL (R = 0.99). The limit of detection for S. typhimurium was as low as 11 cfu/mL in an aqueous buffer. The measurement of S. typhimurium in milk samples was satisfied in accordance with the plate-counting method, suggesting that the proposed method was of practical value in the application of food security.

  6. [Digital luminescence radiography. A new method of study in thoracic diagnosis at the intensive care unit].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Witte, G; Pothmann, W; Bause, H; Nicolas, V; Schulte am Esch, J; Bücheler, E

    1989-02-01

    The digital luminescence-radiography (DLR) technique relies on a complete digitalization of the X-ray image. Luminescence crystals on the imaging plate serve as an energy reservoir following their exposure to ionized radiation from any conventional X-ray source. A Helium-Neon laser stimulates the electrons in their high energy bands and therefore will be dropped back emitting luminescence. This luminescence is digitized by the DLR-System thus delivering a complete digital image to the image processor for subsequent processing and evaluation. The processed digital image is then recorded on a conventional film or a monitor screen. More than 3000 chest examinations using DLR have been performed on intensive care unit (ICU) patients at the University Hospital Eppendorf following the first eleven months since the clinical introduction of this new technique. The positive aspects of DLR such as high-contrast resolution and optimal reproducibility were clinically evaluated under ICU conditions. It was shown that DLR greatly improves the quality of the chest X-rays of all ICU patients and offers the following advantages: reproducibility, lateral chest projection, no insufficient exposure, reduction of exposure dose, electronical post-processing and storage, quality preserving digital storage and copying.

  7. Nanoscale luminescent lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks: properties, synthesis, and applications

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hu, Dongqin; Song, Yonghai; Wang, Li, E-mail: lwanggroup@aliyun.com [Jiangxi Normal University, Key Laboratory of Functional Small Organic Molecule, Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Jiangxi Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (China)

    2015-07-15

    Nanoscale luminescent lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks (NLLn-MOFs) possess superior optical and physical properties such as higher luminescent lifetime, quantum yield, high stability, high surface area, high agent loading, and intrinsic biodegradability, and therefore are regarded as a novel generation of luminescent material compared with bulk lanthanide-based metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs). Traditional luminescent Ln-MOFs have been well studied; however, NLLn-MOFs taking the advantages of nanomaterials have attracted extensive investigations for applications in optical imaging in living cells, light-harvesting, and sensing. In this review, we provide a survey of the latest progresses made in developing NLLn-MOFs, which contains the fundamental optical features, synthesis, and their potential applications. Finally, the future prospects and challenges of the rapidly growing field are summarized.

  8. An estimate of spherical impactor energy transfer for mechanical frequency up-conversion energy harvester

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    L. R. Corr

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available Vibration energy harvesters, which use the impact mechanical frequency up-conversion technique, utilize an impactor, which gains kinetic energy from low frequency ambient environmental vibrations, to excite high frequency systems that efficiently convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. To take full advantage of the impact mechanical frequency up-conversion technique, it is prudent to understand the energy transfer from the low frequency excitations, to the impactor, and finally to the high frequency systems. In this work, the energy transfer from a spherical impactor to a multi degree of freedom spring / mass system, due to Hertzian impact, is investigated to gain insight on how best to design impact mechanical frequency up-conversion energy harvesters. Through this academic work, it is shown that the properties of the contact (or impact area, i.e., radius of curvature and material properties, only play a minor role in energy transfer and that the equivalent mass of the target system (i.e., the spring / mass system dictates the total amount of energy transferred during the impact. The novel approach of utilizing the well-known Hertzian impact methodology to gain an understanding of impact mechanical frequency up-conversion energy harvesters has made it clear that the impactor and the high frequency energy generating systems must be designed together as one system to ensure maximum energy transfer, leading to efficient ambient vibration energy harvesters.

  9. Luminescence dating

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rieser, U.

    2013-01-01

    The luminescence techniques have evolved over the last 40 years to a powerful dating instrument in archaeology and geoscience. Depending on how the luminescence is stimulated, one distinguishes the phenomena of thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL). Each of these phenomena has its specific potential for dating various archaeological materials in the time range from medieval back to palaeolithic periods, or, speaking in geological terms, for dating of Holocene and late Pleistocene objects. The OSL and IRSL techniques are sometimes treated together as 'optical dating'. The luminescence techniques differ from other major dating techniques, such as 14 C, essentially by their applicability to inorganic materials, their wide age-range from about 100 years to more than 100,000 years and the kind of datable events which are the last exposure to heat or to light. (author). 10 refs., 3 figs.

  10. Luminescence dating

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rieser, U.

    2009-01-01

    The luminescence techniques have evolved over the last 40 years to a powerful dating instrument in archaeology and geoscience. Depending on how the luminescence is stimulated, one distinguishes the phenomena of thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL). Each of these phenomena has its specific potential for dating various archaeological materals in the time range from medieval back to palaeolithic periods, or, speaking in geological terms, for dating of Holocene and late Pleistocene objects. The OSL and IRSL techniques are sometimes treated together as 'optical dating'. The luminescence techniques differ from other major dating techniques, such as 14 C, essentially by their applicability to inorganic materials, their wide age-range from about 100 years to more than 100,000 years and the kind of datable events which are the last exposure to heat or to light. (author). 10 refs., 3 figs.

  11. Luminescence dating

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rieser, U.

    2008-01-01

    The luminescence techniques have evolved over the last 40 years to a powerful dating instrument in archaeology and geoscience. Depending on how the luminescence is stimulated, one distinguishes the phenomena of thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL). Each of these phenomena has its specific potential for dating various archaeological materals in the time range from medieval back to palaeolithic periods, or, speaking in geological terms, for dating of Holocene and late Pleistocene objects. The OSL and IRSL techniques are sometimes treated together as 'optical dating'. The luminescence techniques differ from other major dating techniques, such as 14 C, essentially by their applicability to inorganic materials, their wide age-range from about 100 years to more than 100,000 years and the kind of datable events which are the last exposure to heat or to light. (author). 10 refs., 3 figs

  12. Luminescence dating

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rieser, U.

    2012-01-01

    The luminescence techniques have evolved over the last 40 years to a powerful dating instrument in archaeology and geoscience. Depending on how the luminescence is stimulated, one distinguishes the phenomena of thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL). Each of these phenomena has its specific potential for dating various archaeological materials in the time range from medieval back to palaeolithic periods, or, speaking in geological terms, for dating of Holocene and late Pleistocene objects. The OSL and IRSL techniques are sometimes treated together as 'optical dating'. The luminescence techniques differ from other major dating techniques, such as 14 C, essentially by their applicability to inorganic materials, their wide age-range from about 100 years to more than 100,000 years and the kind of datable events which are the last exposure to heat or to light. (author). 10 refs., 3 figs.

  13. Luminescence dating

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rieser, U.

    2009-01-01

    The luminescence techniques have evolved over the last 40 years to a powerful dating instrument in archaeology and geoscience. Depending on how the luminescence is stimulated, one distinguishes the phenomena of thermoluminescence (TL), optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL). Each of these phenomena has its specific potential for dating various archaeological materals in the time range from medieval back to palaeolithic periods, or, speaking in geological terms, for dating of Holocene and late Pleistocene objects. The OSL and IRSL techniques are sometimes treated together as 'optical dating'. The luminescence techniques differ from other major dating techniques, such as 14 C, essentially by their applicability to inorganic materials, their wide age-range from about 100 years to more than 100,000 years and the kind of datable events which are the last exposure to heat or to light. (author). 10 refs., 3 figs

  14. Photoluminescence study of Sm{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+}co-doped tellurite glass embedding silver nanoparticles

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Reza Dousti, M., E-mail: mrdousti@ifsc.usp.br [Laboratório de Espectroscopia de Materiais Funcionais (LEMAF), Instituto de Fisica de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Trabalhador So-carlense 400, São Carlos, SP 13566-590 (Brazil); Department of Physics, Tehran-North Branch, Islamic Azad University Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor (Malaysia); Amjad, R.J. [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor (Malaysia); Department of Physics, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore 54000 (Pakistan); Hosseinian S, R.; Salehi, M.; Sahar, M.R. [Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai 81310, Johor (Malaysia)

    2015-03-15

    We report on the upconversion emission of Sm{sup 3+} ions doped tellurite glass in the presence of Yb{sup 3+} ions and silver nanoparticles. The enhancement of infrared-to-visible upconversion emissions is achieved under 980 nm excitation wavelength and attributed to the high absorption cross section of Yb{sup 3+} ions and an efficient energy transfer to Sm{sup 3+} ions. Further enhancements are attributed to the plasmonic effect via metallic nanoparticles resulting in the large localized field around rare earth ions. However, under excitation at 406 nm, the addition of Yb{sup 3+} content and heat-treated silver nanoparticles quench the luminescence of Sm{sup 3+} ions likely due to quantum cutting and plasmonic diluent effects, respectively. - Highlights: • Sm{sup 3+} tellurite glasses co-doped with Yb{sup 3+} ions and tri-doped with Yb{sup 3+}:Ag NPs were prepared. • In first step, Yb{sup 3+} ions enhanced the upconversion emissions of Sm{sup 3+} doped samples. • In second step, Ag NPs further enhanced the upconversion emissions in tri-doped glasses. • Finally, the quench in luminescence under 406 nm excitation is observed and discussed.

  15. Sensitization effects of supramolecular assemblies on the luminescence of terbium-ion prulifloxacin complexes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Wang Hong; Yi Chongyue; Li Xue; Fang Fang [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074 (China); Yang Yajiang, E-mail: yjyang@mail.hust.edu.c [School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074 (China)

    2011-04-15

    Luminescence enhancement of terbium-ion prulifloxacin complexes (Tb(III)-PUFX) in supramolecular hydrogels formed by assembly of 1,3:2,4-di-O-benzylidene-D-sorbitol (DBS) was investigated by steady-state fluorescence, varying temperature fluorescence and time-resolved fluorescence. The luminescence images show that Tb(III)-PUFX were dispersed in the DBS gels. The luminescence intensity of Tb(III)-PUFX in the DBS gels was significantly increased in comparison with that in corresponding aqueous solutions. The varying temperature fluorescent spectra show that the luminescence intensity of Tb(III)-PUFX decreased with an increase in the temperature. This implies that the luminescence enhancement of Tb(III)-PUFX is related to the dissociation and the formation of the DBS assemblies. Time-resolved fluorescence measurements show slower rotational motion in DBS gels in comparison with that in the corresponding aqueous solutions. This may be ascribed to a unique microstructure of three-dimensional network formed by DBC aggregates, resulting in deactivation of the nonradiative relaxation. The images of field emission scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy indicate that the morphology of the DBS assemblies was not influenced upon addition of Tb(III)-PUFX to the DBS gels.

  16. Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion properties of Yb3+/Er3+ doped YVO4 nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kshetri, Yuwaraj K; Regmi, Chhabilal; Kim, Hak-Soo; Lee, Soo Wohn; Kim, Tae-Ho

    2018-05-18

    Yb 3+ and Er 3+ doped YVO 4 (Yb 3+ /Er 3+ :YVO 4 ) nanoparticles with highly efficient near-infrared to visible upconversion properties have been synthesized by microwave hydrothermal process. Uniform-sized Yb 3+ /Er 3+ :YVO 4 nanoparticles were synthesized within 1 h at 140 °C which is relatively faster than the conventional hydrothermal process. Under 980 nm laser excitation, strong green and less strong red emissions are observed which are attributed to 2 H 11/2 , 4 S 3/2 to 4 I 15/2 and 4 F 9/2 to 4 I 15/2 transitions of Er 3+ respectively. The emission intensity is found to depend strongly on the concentration of Yb 3+ . The quadratic dependence of upconversion intensity on the excitation power indicates that the upconversion process is governed by two-photon absorption process.

  17. Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion properties of Yb3+/Er3+ doped YVO4 nanoparticles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kshetri, Yuwaraj K.; Regmi, Chhabilal; Kim, Hak-Soo; Wohn Lee, Soo; Kim, Tae-Ho

    2018-05-01

    Yb3+ and Er3+ doped YVO4 (Yb3+/Er3+:YVO4) nanoparticles with highly efficient near-infrared to visible upconversion properties have been synthesized by microwave hydrothermal process. Uniform-sized Yb3+/Er3+:YVO4 nanoparticles were synthesized within 1 h at 140 °C which is relatively faster than the conventional hydrothermal process. Under 980 nm laser excitation, strong green and less strong red emissions are observed which are attributed to 2H11/2, 4S3/2 to 4I15/2 and 4F9/2 to 4I15/2 transitions of Er3+ respectively. The emission intensity is found to depend strongly on the concentration of Yb3+. The quadratic dependence of upconversion intensity on the excitation power indicates that the upconversion process is governed by two-photon absorption process.

  18. Spectral conversion for thin film solar cells and luminescent solar concentrators

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Sark, van W.G.J.H.M.; Wild, de J.; Krumer, Z.; Mello Donegá, de C.; Schropp, R.E.I.; Nozik, A.J.; Beard, M.C.; Conibeer, G.

    2014-01-01

    Full spectrum absorption combined with effective generation and collection of charge carriers is a prerequisite for attaining high efficiency solar cells. Two examples of spectral conversion are treated in this chapter, i.e., up-conversion and down-shifting. Up-conversion is applied to thin film

  19. Luminescence and energy transfer

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Blasse, G; Bleijenberg, K C; Powell, R C

    1980-01-01

    This paper deals with the luminescence of uranate centres in solids. The luminescence properties are influenced by the coordination number of the hexavalent uranium ion and by the crystallographic surroundings of the uranate centre. Transitions playing a role in the luminescence processes within the octahedral UO/sub 6//sup 6 -/ group are discussed using the results from both theoretical and experimental studies on another octahedral uranium complex: UF/sub 6/. The luminescence of the octahedral uranate group in oxidic compounds is discussed. Attention is paid to the vibrational structure, which is observed in the luminescence spectra at low temperatures and to the temperature quenching of the luminescence. The temperature quenching of the uranate luminescence in uranium-doped tungstates with ordered perovskite structure can be described in terms of a three state single configurational coordinate diagram. The complicated luminescence spectra of uranium-activated sodium fluoride (NaF-U) crystals have been unraveled using chemical variation of the crystal compositions and using site selective laser excitation techniques. Four different luminescent uranate centres have been observed in NaF-U. A model for the configurations of the luminescent centres has been deduced using the results from ionic conductivity experiments.

  20. Ratiometric Time-Gated Luminescence Probe for Nitric Oxide Based on an Apoferritin-Assembled Lanthanide Complex-Rhodamine Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer System.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tian, Lu; Dai, Zhichao; Liu, Xiangli; Song, Bo; Ye, Zhiqiang; Yuan, Jingli

    2015-11-03

    Using apoferritin (AFt) as a carrier, a novel ratiometric luminescence probe based on luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) between a Tb(3+) complex (PTTA-Tb(3+)) and a rhodamine derivative (Rh-NO), PTTA-Tb(3+)@AFt-Rh-NO, has been designed and prepared for the specific recognition and time-gated luminescence detection of nitric oxide (NO) in living samples. In this LRET probe, PTTA-Tb(3+) encapsulated in the core of AFt is the energy donor, and Rh-NO, a NO-responsive rhodamine derivative, bound on the surface of AFt is the energy acceptor. The probe only emits strong Tb(3+) luminescence because the emission of rhodamine is switched off in the absence of NO. Upon reaction with NO, accompanied by the turn-on of rhodamine emission, the LRET from Tb(3+) complex to rhodamine occurs, which results in the remarkable increase and decrease of the long-lived emissions of rhodamine and PTTA-Tb(3+), respectively. After the reaction, the intensity ratio of rhodamine emission to Tb(3+) emission, I565/I539, is ∼24.5-fold increased, and the dose-dependent enhancement of I565/I539 shows a good linearity in a wide concentration range of NO. This unique luminescence response allowed PTTA-Tb(3+)@AFt-Rh-NO to be conveniently used as a ratiometric probe for the time-gated luminescence detection of NO with I565/I539 as a signal. Taking advantages of high specificity and sensitivity of the probe as well as its good water-solubility, biocompatibility, and cell membrane permeability, PTTA-Tb(3+)@AFt-Rh-NO was successfully used for the luminescent imaging of NO in living cells and Daphnia magna. The results demonstrated the efficacy of the probe and highlighted it's advantages for the ratiometric time-gated luminescence bioimaging application.

  1. Terahertz-wave differential detection based on simultaneous dual-wavelength up-conversion

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yuma Takida

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available We report a terahertz (THz-wave differential detection based on simultaneous dual-wavelength up-conversion in a nonlinear optical MgO:LiNbO3 crystal with optical and electronic THz-wave sources. The broadband parametric gain and noncollinear phase-matching of MgO:LiNbO3 provide efficient conversion from superposed THz waves to spatially distributed near-infrared (NIR beams to function as a dispersive THz-wave spectrometer without any additional dispersive element. We show that the μW-level THz waves from two independent sources, a 0.78-THz injection-seeded THz-wave parametric generator (is-TPG and a 1.14-THz resonant tunneling diode (RTD, are simultaneously up-converted to two NIR waves and then detected with two NIR photodetectors. By applying a balanced detection scheme to this dual-frequency detection, we demonstrate THz-wave differential imaging of maltose and polyethylene pellets in the transmission geometry. This dual-wavelength detection is applicable to more than three frequencies and broadband THz-wave radiation for real-time THz-wave spectroscopic detection and imaging.

  2. Cooperative up-conversion processes in SrAl{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Yb and SrAl{sub 4}O{sub 7}:Yb,Tb and their dependence on charge compensation by Na

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Puchalska, M., E-mail: malgorzata.puchalska@chem.uni.wroc.pl [Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 14, F. Joliot-Curie Street, 50-383 Wroclaw (Poland); Zych, E. [Faculty of Chemistry, University of Wroclaw, 14, F. Joliot-Curie Street, 50-383 Wroclaw (Poland); Watras, A. [Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, 2 Okólna Street, 50-422 Wrocław (Poland)

    2017-03-15

    A detailed analysis of the luminescence behaviour of Yb{sup 3+}-doped and Yb{sup 3+}-Tb{sup 3+} co-doped strontium aluminates powders: Sr{sub 1-x}Yb{sub x}Al{sub 4}O{sub 7} (x=0.002–0.07) and Sr{sub 1-x-y}Yb{sub x}Tb{sub y}Al{sub 4}O{sub 7} (x=0.03; y=0.002–0.02) were performed. The studies of singly doped samples show that direct excitation of Yb{sup 3+} by means of {sup 2}F{sub 7/2}-{sup 2}F{sub 5/2} absorption at 900–980 nm leads to Stokes Yb{sup 3+} emission in the range of 970–1130 nm as well as bluish-green Yb{sup 3+} cooperative luminescence (CL) whose energy doubles that of the NIR one. The effect of activator concentration and charge compensation through Na{sup +} co-doping on both Yb{sup 3+} emissions were also studied. It was found that Na{sup +} addition enhanced Stokes Yb{sup 3+} photoluminescence brightness, while the cooperative emission intensity appeared to be lower. In doubly Yb{sup 3+}-Tb{sup 3+} doped materials excitation at 980 nm led to cooperative sensitization of the Tb{sup 3+} {sup 5}D{sub 4} level giving rise to its green {sup 5}D{sub 4}→{sup 7}F{sub J} (J={sup 7}F{sub 6}-{sup 7}F{sub 3}) up-conversion luminescence with the dominant component around 542 nm. The cooperative energy transfer (CET) mechanism was proposed basing on the results obtained from emission and absorption spectra, decay kinetics as well as the dependence of UC luminescence intensity on NIR excitation power.

  3. Scalable Direct Writing of Lanthanide-Doped KMnF3 Perovskite Nanowires into Aligned Arrays with Polarized Up-Conversion Emission.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shi, Shuo; Sun, Ling-Dong; Xue, Ying-Xian; Dong, Hao; Wu, Ke; Guo, Shi-Chen; Wu, Bo-Tao; Yan, Chun-Hua

    2018-05-09

    The use of one-dimensional nano- and microstructured semiconductor and lanthanide materials is attractive for polarized-light-emission studies. Up-conversion emission from single-nanorod or anisotropic nanoparticles with a degree of polarization has also been discussed. However, microscale arrays of nanoparticles, especially well-aligned one-dimensional nanostructures as well as their up-conversion polarization characterization, have not been investigated yet. Herein, we present a novel and facile paradigm for preparing highly aligned arrays of lanthanide-doped KMnF 3 (KMnF 3 :Ln) perovskite nanowires, which are good candidates for polarized up-conversion emission studies. These perovskite nanowires, with a width of 10 nm and length of a few micrometers, are formed through the oriented attachment of KMnF 3 :Ln nanocubes along the [001] direction. By the employment of KMnF 3 :Ln nanowire gel as nanoink, a direct-writing method is developed to obtain diverse types of aligned patterns from the nanoscale to the wafer scale. Up-conversion emissions from the highly aligned nanowire arrays are polarized along the array direction with a polarization degree up to 60%. Taking advantage of microscopic nanowire arrays, these polarized up-conversion emissions should offer potential applications in light or information transportation.

  4. Highly uniform up-converting nanoparticles: Why you should control your synthesis even more

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Palo, Emilia; Tuomisto, Minnea; Hyppänen, Iko; Swart, Hendrik C.; Hölsä, Jorma; Soukka, Tero; Lastusaari, Mika

    2017-01-01

    Luminescent β-NaYF 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ (x Yb : 0.17, x Er : 0.03) nanomaterials were synthesized for use as labels for biomedical applications with high temperature co-precipitation synthesis in 1-octadecene and oleic acid. The effect of the synthesis conditions (e.g. argon flow, cooling and stirring rates) on the products’ up-conversion luminescence intensity, particle size and morphology were studied. The factors contributing to these properties were analysed. It was observed that an efficient inert gas flow is essential to the formation of the preferred highly-luminescent hexagonal structure. Furthermore, the flow rate, together with the stirring rate, crucially affect the Er:Yb molar ratio of the products. The optimization of this ratio is essential when strong up-conversion emission is required from small particles, whereas the morphology and uniformity of the nanoparticles can be controlled with the cooling rate. These results emphasize the importance of controlling the synthesis conditions, especially when nanoparticles need to have a specific morphology because of their use e.g. as luminescent labels in medical diagnostics.

  5. Highly uniform up-converting nanoparticles: Why you should control your synthesis even more

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Palo, Emilia, E-mail: ekharj@utu.fi [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS), Doctoral Programme in Physical and Chemical Sciences, Turku (Finland); Turku University Centre for Materials and Surfaces (MatSurf), Turku (Finland); Tuomisto, Minnea [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); University of Turku Graduate School (UTUGS), Doctoral Programme in Physical and Chemical Sciences, Turku (Finland); Turku University Centre for Materials and Surfaces (MatSurf), Turku (Finland); Hyppänen, Iko [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Turku University Centre for Materials and Surfaces (MatSurf), Turku (Finland); Swart, Hendrik C.; Hölsä, Jorma [University of the Free State, Department of Physics, Bloemfontein ZA-9300 (South Africa); Soukka, Tero [University of Turku, Department of Biochemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Lastusaari, Mika [University of Turku, Department of Chemistry, FI-20014 Turku (Finland); Turku University Centre for Materials and Surfaces (MatSurf), Turku (Finland)

    2017-05-15

    Luminescent β-NaYF{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+},Er{sup 3+} (x{sub Yb}: 0.17, x{sub Er}: 0.03) nanomaterials were synthesized for use as labels for biomedical applications with high temperature co-precipitation synthesis in 1-octadecene and oleic acid. The effect of the synthesis conditions (e.g. argon flow, cooling and stirring rates) on the products’ up-conversion luminescence intensity, particle size and morphology were studied. The factors contributing to these properties were analysed. It was observed that an efficient inert gas flow is essential to the formation of the preferred highly-luminescent hexagonal structure. Furthermore, the flow rate, together with the stirring rate, crucially affect the Er:Yb molar ratio of the products. The optimization of this ratio is essential when strong up-conversion emission is required from small particles, whereas the morphology and uniformity of the nanoparticles can be controlled with the cooling rate. These results emphasize the importance of controlling the synthesis conditions, especially when nanoparticles need to have a specific morphology because of their use e.g. as luminescent labels in medical diagnostics.

  6. Imaging Amyloid Tissues Stained with Luminescent Conjugated Oligothiophenes by Hyperspectral Confocal Microscopy and Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nyström, Sofie; Bäck, Marcus; Nilsson, K Peter R; Hammarström, Per

    2017-10-20

    Proteins that deposit as amyloid in tissues throughout the body can be the cause or consequence of a large number of diseases. Among these we find neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease afflicting primarily the central nervous system, and systemic amyloidosis where serum amyloid A, transthyretin and IgG light chains deposit as amyloid in liver, carpal tunnel, spleen, kidney, heart, and other peripheral tissues. Amyloid has been known and studied for more than a century, often using amyloid specific dyes such as Congo red and Thioflavin T (ThT) or Thioflavin (ThS). In this paper, we present heptamer-formyl thiophene acetic acid (hFTAA) as an example of recently developed complements to these dyes called luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs). hFTAA is easy to use and is compatible with co-staining in immunofluorescence or with other cellular markers. Extensive research has proven that hFTAA detects a wider range of disease associated protein aggregates than conventional amyloid dyes. In addition, hFTAA can also be applied for optical assignment of distinct aggregated morphotypes to allow studies of amyloid fibril polymorphism. While the imaging methodology applied is optional, we here demonstrate hyperspectral imaging (HIS), laser scanning confocal microscopy and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). These examples show some of the imaging techniques where LCOs can be used as tools to gain more detailed knowledge of the formation and structural properties of amyloids. An important limitation to the technique is, as for all conventional optical microscopy techniques, the requirement for microscopic size of aggregates to allow detection. Furthermore, the aggregate should comprise a repetitive β-sheet structure to allow for hFTAA binding. Excessive fixation and/or epitope exposure that modify the aggregate structure or conformation can render poor hFTAA binding and hence pose limitations to accurate imaging.

  7. Development of a ratiometric time-resolved luminescence sensor for pH based on lanthanide complexes

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Mingjing; Ye Zhiqiang; Xin Chenglong; Yuan Jingli

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: ► A lanthanide complex-based ratiometric luminescent pH sensor was developed. ► The sensor can luminously respond to pH in weakly acidic to neutral media. ► The sensor can be used for monitoring pH with time-resolved luminescence mode. ► The sensor can be also used for monitoring pH with absorbance mode. ► The utility of the sensor for the luminescent cell imaging was demonstrated. - Abstract: Time-resolved luminescence bioassay technique using lanthanide complexes as luminescent probes/sensors has shown great utilities in clinical diagnostics and biotechnology discoveries. In this work, a novel terpyridine polyacid derivative that can form highly stable complexes with lanthanide ions in aqueous media, (4′-hydroxy-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-6,6′′-diyl) bis(methylenenitrilo) tetrakis(acetic acid) (HTTA), was designed and synthesized for developing time-resolved luminescence pH sensors based on its Eu 3+ and Tb 3+ complexes. The luminescence characterization results reveal that the luminescence intensity of HTTA–Eu 3+ is strongly dependent on the pH values in weakly acidic to neutral media (pK a = 5.8, pH 4.8–7.5), while that of HTTA–Tb 3+ is pH-independent. This unique luminescence response allows the mixture of HTTA–Eu 3+ and HTTA–Tb 3+ (the HTTA–Eu 3+ /Tb 3+ mixture) to be used as a ratiometric luminescence sensor for the time-resolved luminescence detection of pH with the intensity ratio of its Tb 3+ emission at 540 nm to its Eu 3+ emission at 610 nm, I 540nm /I 610nm , as a signal. Moreover, the UV absorption spectrum changes of the HTTA–Eu 3+ /Tb 3+ mixture at different pHs (pH 4.0–7.0) also display a ratiometric response to the pH changes with the ratio of absorbance at 290 nm to that at 325 nm, A 290nm /A 325nm , as a signal. This feature enables the HTTA–Eu 3+ /Tb 3+ mixture to have an additional function for the pH detection with the absorption spectrometry technique. For loading the complexes into the

  8. Co-operative energy transfer in Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped SrGdxOy upconverting phosphor

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kumar, Ashwini; Pathak, Trilok K.; Dhoble, S. J.; . Terblans, J. J.; Swart, H. C.

    2018-04-01

    Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have shown considerable interest in many fields; however, low upconversion efficiency of UCNPs is still the most severe limitation of their applications. Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doped SrGd4O7/Gd2O3(SGO) upconversion (UC) phosphors were synthesized by a modified co-precipitation process. The UC properties were investigated by direct excitation with a 980 nm laser. It was observed that the as prepared materials showed relatively strong green emission, while upon the incorporation of the Er3+ ion, there was an increase in the upconversion luminescence intensity for the red component. The effect of different doping concentration of Er3+on the emission spectra and X-ray diffraction patterns of the UC materials have also been studied. The luminescence lifetimes and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage coordinates for these as prepared samples were determined to understand the energy transfer (ET) mechanisms occurring between Yb3+ and Er3+ in the SGO host matrix. The UC luminescence intensity as a function of laser pump power was monitored and it was confirmed that the UC process in SGO:Yb3+/Er3+is a two-photon absorption process. The findings reported here are expected to provide a better approach for understanding of the ET mechanisms in the oxide based Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped UC phosphors. This study might be helpful in precisely defined applications where optical transitions are essential criterion and this can be easily achieved by smart tuning of the emission properties of Yb3+/Er3+ co-doped UC phosphors.

  9. Global Skin-Friction Measurements Using Particle Image Surface FLow Visualization and a Luminescent Oil-Film

    Science.gov (United States)

    Husen, Nicholas; Roozeboom, Nettie; Liu, Tianshu; Sullivan, John P.

    2015-01-01

    A quantitative global skin-friction measurement technique is proposed. An oil-film is doped with a luminescent molecule and thereby made to fluoresce in order to resolve oil-film thickness, and Particle Image Surface Flow Visualization is used to resolve the velocity field of the surface of the oil-film. Skin-friction is then calculated at location x as (x )xh, where x is the displacement of the surface of the oil-film and is the dynamic viscosity of the oil. The data collection procedure and data analysis procedures are explained, and preliminary experimental skin-friction results for flow over the wing of the CRM are presented.

  10. Mitochondria Targetable Time-Gated Luminescence Probe for Singlet Oxygen Based on a β-Diketonate-Europium Complex.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sun, Jingyan; Song, Bo; Ye, Zhiqiang; Yuan, Jingli

    2015-12-21

    Singlet oxygen ((1)O2) plays a key role in the photodynamic therapy (PDT) technique of neoplastic diseases. In this work, by using a 9,10-dimethyl-2-anthryl-containing β-diketone, 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoro-5-(9',10'-dimethyl-2'-anthryl)-3,5-pentanedione (Hpfdap), as a (1)O2-recognition ligand, a novel β-diketonate-europium(III) complex that can act as a luminescence probe for (1)O2, [Eu(pfdap)3(tpy)] (tpy = 2,2',2″-terpyridine), has been designed and synthesized for the time-gated luminescence detection of (1)O2 in living cells. The complex is weakly luminescent due to the quenching effect of 9,10-dimethyl-2-anthryl groups. After reaction with (1)O2, accompanied by the formation of endoperoxides of 9,10-dimethyl-2-anthryl groups, the luminescence quenching disappears, so that the long-lived luminescence of the europium(III) complex is switched on. The complex showed highly selective luminescence response to (1)O2 with a remarkable luminescence enhancement. Combined with the time-gated luminescence imaging technique, the complex was successfully used as a luminescent probe for the monitoring of the time-dependent generation of (1)O2 in 5-aminolevulinic acid (a PDT drug) loaded HepG2 cells during the photodynamic process. In addition, by coloading the complex and a mitochondrial indicator, Mito-Tracker Green, into HepG2 cells, the specific localization of [Eu(pfdap)3(tpy)] molecules in mitochondria of HepG2 cells was demonstrated by confocal fluorescence imaging measurements.

  11. Light-Emitting Photon-Upconversion Nanoparticles in the Generation of Transdermal Reactive-Oxygen Species.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Prieto, Martin; Rwei, Alina Y; Alejo, Teresa; Wei, Tuo; Lopez-Franco, Maria Teresa; Mendoza, Gracia; Sebastian, Victor; Kohane, Daniel S; Arruebo, Manuel

    2017-12-06

    Common photosensitizers used in photodynamic therapy do not penetrate the skin effectively. In addition, the visible blue and red lights used to excite such photosensitizers have shallow penetration depths through tissue. To overcome these limitations, we have synthesized ultraviolet- and visible-light-emitting, energy-transfer-based upconversion nanoparticles and coencapsulated them inside PLGA-PEG (methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)) nanoparticles with the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX. Nd 3+ has been introduced as a sensitizer in the upconversion nanostructure to allow its excitation at 808 nm. The subcytotoxic doses of the hybrid nanoparticles have been evaluated on different cell lines (i.e., fibroblasts, HaCaT, THP-1 monocytic cell line, U251MG (glioblastoma cell line), and mMSCs (murine mesenchymal stem cells). Upon NIR (near infrared)-light excitation, the upconversion nanoparticles emitted UV and VIS light, which consequently activated the generation of reactive-oxygen species (ROS). In addition, after irradiating at 808 nm, the resulting hybrid nanoparticles containing both upconversion nanoparticles and protoporphyrin IX generated 3.4 times more ROS than PLGA-PEG nanoparticles containing just the same dose of protoporphyrin IX. Their photodynamic effect was also assayed on different cell cultures, demonstrating their efficacy in selectively killing treated and irradiated cells. Compared to the topical application of the free photosensitizer, enhanced skin permeation and penetration were observed for the nanoparticulate formulation, using an ex vivo human-skin-permeation experiment. Whereas free protoporphyrin IX remained located at the outer layer of the skin, nanoparticle-encapsulated protoporphyrin IX was able to penetrate through the epidermal layer slightly into the dermis.

  12. Persistent luminescent nanoparticles for super-long time in vivo and in situ imaging with repeatable excitation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun, Meng; Li, Zhan-Jun; Liu, Chun-Lin; Fu, Hai-Xia; Shen, Jiang-Shan; Zhang, Hong-Wu

    2014-01-01

    In order to realize super-long time (more than 3 days) in vivo imaging, SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 2+ ,Dy 3+ (SAO) nanoparticles were employed as probes with in situ repeatable excitation capability. In our experiments, strontium aluminate nanoparticles were prepared. After surface modified with pyrophosphoric acid (PPA), grafted by PEG-5000-OCH 3 and irradiated with 365 nm UV light for 10 min, the afterglow signal can be observed in real time for more than 30 min in live mouse after intravenous injection. In order to monitor for a super-long time, the mouse was re-illuminated for 10 min by a white-light LED lamp and then the imaging signals were recovered and also persisted for 30 min again. The super-long time in vivo imaging was achieved by employing these repeatedly excited luminescent nanoprobes. -- Highlights: • The water-resistance and dispersity abilities of strontium aluminate nanoparticles were achieved by surface modification with pyrophosphoric acid and polyethylene glycol (PEG). • The synthesized nanoparticles were successfully employed in in vivo imaging. • A super-long time in vivo imaging was realized by the in situ re-excitation via a LED lamp

  13. Upconversion luminescence, ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics of Er Doped SrBi{sub 4}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 15}

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Peng Dengfeng [Functional Materials Research Laboratory, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092 (China); National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kyushu, 807-1 Shuku, Tosu, Saga 841-0052 (Japan); Zou Hua; Wang Xusheng; Yao Xi [Functional Materials Research Laboratory, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092 (China); Xu Chaonan [National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kyushu, 807-1 Shuku, Tosu, Saga 841-0052 (Japan); Lin Jian; Sun Tiantuo [School of Material Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Cao' an Highway, Shanghai 201804 (China)

    2012-12-15

    Er{sup 3+} doped SrBi{sub 4}Ti{sub 4}O{sub 15} (SBT) bismuth layered-structure ferroelectric ceramics were synthesized by the traditional solid-state method, and their upconversion photoluminescent (UC) properties were investigated as a function of Er{sup 3+} concentration and incident pump power. Green (555 nm) and red (670 nm) emission bands were obtained under 980 nm excitation at room temperature, which corresponded to the radiative transitions from {sup 4}S{sub 3/2}, and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} to {sup 4}I{sub 15/2}, respectively. The emission color of the samples could be changed with moderating the doping concentrations. The dependence of UC intensity on pumping power indicated a two-photon emission process. Studies on dielectric properties indicated that the introduction of Er increased the ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature (Tc) of SBT, thus making this ceramic suitable for piezoelectric sensor applications at higher temperatures. Piezoelectric measurement showed that the doped SBT had a relative higher piezoelectric constant d{sub 33} compared with the non-doped ceramics. The thermal annealing behaviors of the doped sample revealed a stable piezoelectric property. The doped SBT showed bright UC emission while simultaneously having increased Tc and d{sub 33}. As a multifunctional material, Er doped SBT ferroelectric oxide showed great potential in application of sensor, future optical-electro integration and coupling devices.

  14. Phase transition control, melt growth of (Gd,RE)F{sub 3} single crystal and their luminescent properties

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yoshikawa, Akira, E-mail: yosikawa@tagen.tohoku.ac.j [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); New Industry Creation Hatchery Center (NICHe), Tohoku University, 6-6-10 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8579 (Japan); Jouini, Anis [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); BerlinSolar GmbH, Magnusstrasse 11, D-12489 Berlin (Germany); Kamada, Kei [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan); Boulon, Georges [Physical Chemistry of Luminescent Materials, Claude Bernard/Lyon 1 University, UMR 5620 CNRS, Villeurbanne (France); Nikl, Martin [Institute of Physics AS CR, Cukrovarnicka 10, Prague 16253 (Czech Republic); Saito, Fumio [Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8577 (Japan)

    2009-12-15

    Rare-earth sesquifluorides with no absorption in visible spectral region, such as LaF{sub 3}, GdF{sub 3}, LuF{sub 3}, YF{sub 3}, ScF{sub 3}, are the topic of intense study as a host for luminescence materials. However, except Nd:LaF{sub 3}, they are not studied as a host for laser materials. The main obstacle troubling further study of GdF{sub 3}, LuF{sub 3}, YF{sub 3}, ScF{sub 3} single crystal is the fact that there is first-order phase transition (LaF{sub 3} type{leftrightarrow}{beta}-YF{sub 3} type for GdF{sub 3}, {alpha}-YF{sub 3} type{leftrightarrow}{beta}-YF{sub 3} type for the rest) between the room and melting temperature.To prevent the phase transition, first of all, we have tried to make solid solution between GdF{sub 3} and YF{sub 3} in such a way that the average cation radii can be shifted to the size that does not have phase transition. Ce{sup 3+} perturbed luminescence was observed in the Ce- and Sr-codoped GdF{sub 3}-YF{sub 3} system. Similar solid solution concept was applied to the combination between GdF{sub 3} and YbF{sub 3}. The emission spectrum of Yb{sup 3+} that exhibits broad bands around 1 {mu}m was observed. Room temperature up-conversion luminescence spectra of Pr{sup 3+}-doped Gd{sub 1-x}Yb{sub x}F{sub 3} were studied and visible emission from Pr{sup 3+} was obtained under infrared laser pumping in the Yb{sup 3+} broad absorption band at 935.5 nm.

  15. Simultaneous phase and size control of upconversion nanocrystals through lanthanide doping

    KAUST Repository

    Wang, Feng; Han, Yu; Lim, Chinseong; Lu, Yunhao; Wang, Juan; Xu, Jun; Chen, Hongyu; Zhang, Chun; Hong, Minghui; Liu, Xiaogang

    2010-01-01

    or hexagonal) and upconversion emission colour (green to blue) through use of trivalent lanthanide dopant ions introduced at precisely defined concentrations. We use first-principles calculations to confirm that the influence of lanthanide doping on crystal

  16. Upconversion channels in Er3+ ZBLALiP fluoride glass microspheres

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    O'Shea, D. G.; Ward, J. M.; Shortt, B. J.; Mortier, M.; Feron, P.; Chormaic, S. Nic

    We present results on the realization of a multicolour microspherical glass light source fabricated from the erbium doped fluoride glass ZBLALiP. Whispering gallery mode lasing and upconversion processes give rise to laser and fluorescent emissions at multiple wavelengths from the ultraviolet to the

  17. Seed-mediated synthesis of NaY F4:Y b, Er/NaGdF4 nanocrystals with improved upconversion fluorescence and MR relaxivity

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guo Hai; Li Zhengquan; Qian Haisheng; Hu Yong; Muhammad, Idris Niagara

    2010-01-01

    Rational combination of different functional lanthanide materials within a single nanocrystal presents a feasible way to develop a multifunctional nanoplatform for various biomedical applications. The conventional methods of synthesizing and integrating two kinds of material together generally involve laborious procedures, whilst codoping different functional ions inside a single lanthanide nanocrystal usually results in a decrease in both its fluorescence and its magnetic resonance relaxivity. Here, we present a seed-mediated synthetic route to prepare core-shell structured NaY F 4 :Y b, Er/NaGdF 4 nanocrystals. Epitaxial growth of a gadolinium layer on an upconversion lanthanide seed not only improves its upconversion fluorescence, but also creates a paramagnetic shell with high magnetic resonance relaxivity. The prepared nanocrystals are uniform in size, stable in water and easy for conjugation after modification, which may have the potential to serve as a versatile imaging tool for smart detection or diagnosis in future biomedical engineering.

  18. Examination of the picture properties of luminescence memory foils

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ewert, U.; Heine, S.; Nockemann, C.; Stade, J.; Tillack, G.R.; Wessel, H.; Zscherpel, U.; Mattis, A.

    1995-01-01

    Luminescence memory foils are a new medium for radiography without films. They are known by the name of image plates or digital memory foils. The suitability of such systems for industrial radiography is examined. (orig.) [de

  19. Cerenkov Imaging

    OpenAIRE

    Das, Sudeep; Thorek, Daniel L.J.; Grimm, Jan

    2014-01-01

    Cerenkov luminescence (CL) has been used recently in a plethora of medical applications like imaging and therapy with clinically relevant medical isotopes. The range of medical isotopes used is fairly large and expanding. The generation of in vivo light is useful since it circumvents depth limitations for excitation light. Cerenkov luminescence imaging (CLI) is much cheaper in terms of infrastructure than positron emission tomography (PET) and is particularly useful for imaging of superficial...

  20. Upconversion studies in rare earth ions-doped lanthanide materials

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    2014-02-08

    Feb 8, 2014 ... studied samples in order to get the visible upconversion emission on 976 nm excitation. References. [1] F Azuel, Chem. Rev. 104, 139 (2004). [2] W M Yen, S Shionoya and H Yamamoto (eds), Practical applications of phosphors (CRC. Press, Taylor and Francis Group, 2006). [3] F Wang and X Liu, Chem.

  1. Fabrication and characterization of dual-functional ultrafine composite fibers with phase-change energy storage and luminescence properties.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Xi, Peng; Zhao, Tianxiang; Xia, Lei; Shu, Dengkun; Ma, Menjiao; Cheng, Bowen

    2017-01-09

    Ultrafine composite fibers consisting of a thermoplastic polyurethane solid-solid phase-change material and organic lanthanide luminescent materials were prepared through a parallel electrospinning technique as an innovative type of ultrafine, dual-functional fibers containing phase-change and luminescent properties. The morphology and structure, thermal energy storage, and luminescent properties of parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers possessed the desired morphologies with smaller average fiber diameters than those of traditional mixed electrospun ultrafine fibers. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images revealed that the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers were composed of two parts. Polymeric phase-change materials, which can be directly produced and spun, were used to provide temperature stability, while a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate and an organic lanthanide complex acted as the luminescent unit. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and luminescence measurements indicated that the unique structure of the parallel electrospun ultrafine fibers provides the products with good thermal energy storage and luminescence properties. The fluorescence intensity and the phase-change enthalpy values of the ultrafine fibers prepared by parallel electrospinning were respectively 1.6 and 2.1 times those of ultrafine fibers prepared by mixed electrospinning.

  2. An optical authentication system based on imaging of excitation-selected lanthanide luminescence.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Carro-Temboury, Miguel R; Arppe, Riikka; Vosch, Tom; Sørensen, Thomas Just

    2018-01-01

    Secure data encryption relies heavily on one-way functions, and copy protection relies on features that are difficult to reproduce. We present an optical authentication system based on lanthanide luminescence from physical one-way functions or physical unclonable functions (PUFs). They cannot be reproduced and thus enable unbreakable encryption. Further, PUFs will prevent counterfeiting if tags with unique PUFs are grafted onto products. We have developed an authentication system that comprises a hardware reader, image analysis, and authentication software and physical keys that we demonstrate as an anticounterfeiting system. The physical keys are PUFs made from random patterns of taggants in polymer films on glass that can be imaged following selected excitation of particular lanthanide(III) ions doped into the individual taggants. This form of excitation-selected imaging ensures that by using at least two lanthanide(III) ion dopants, the random patterns cannot be copied, because the excitation selection will fail when using any other emitter. With the developed reader and software, the random patterns are read and digitized, which allows a digital pattern to be stored. This digital pattern or digital key can be used to authenticate the physical key in anticounterfeiting or to encrypt any message. The PUF key was produced with a staggering nominal encoding capacity of 7 3600 . Although the encoding capacity of the realized authentication system reduces to 6 × 10 104 , it is more than sufficient to completely preclude counterfeiting of products.

  3. Synthesis and application of nanohybrids based on upconverting nanoparticles and polymers.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cheng, Ziyong; Lin, Jun

    2015-05-01

    Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been an emerging and exciting research field in recent years due to their unique luminescent properties of converting near-infrared light to shorter wavelength radiation. UCNPs offer excellent prospects in luminescent labeling, displays, bioimaging, bioassays, drug delivery, sensors, and anticounterfeiting applications. Along with the abundant studies and rapid progress in this area, UCNPs are promising to be a new class of luminescent probe owing to their special advantages over the conventional organic dyes and quantum dots. Among them, polymers play an important role to improve properties or endow new function of UCNPs such as for matrix materials, water solubility, linking active targeting molecules, biocompatibility, and stimuli-responsive behavior. This article briefly reviews the compositions, optical mechanisms, architectures of upconversion nanocrystals and highlights the works on various functional UCNPs/polymer nanohybrids as well as many new interesting fruits in applications. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  4. Multi-channel up-conversion infrared spectrometer and method of detecting a spectral distribution of light

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    2015-01-01

    A multi-channel infrared spectrometer for detecting an infrared spectrum of light received from an object. The spectrometer comprises a wavelength converter system comprising a nonlinear material and having an input side and an output side. The wavelength converter system comprises at least a first...... on the first side into light in a second output wavelength range output on the second side. The spectrometer further comprises a demultiplexer configured for demultiplexing light in the first up-conversion channel and light in the second up-conversion channel. The demultiplexer is located on the first side...

  5. Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Synthesis and enhanced photocatalytic activity of g-C 3 N 4 hybridized CdS nanoparticles ..... Sodium-dodecyl-sulphate-assisted synthesis of Ni nanoparticles: ..... Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties ...

  6. Spectral properties and anti-Stokes luminescence of TeO2-BaF2:Ho3+, Ho3+/Yb3+ ceramics and glass excited by 1.9-μm radiation of a Tm:LiYF4 laser

    Science.gov (United States)

    Savikin, A. P.; Egorov, A. S.; Budruev, A. V.; Perunin, I. Yu.; Krasheninnikova, O. V.; Grishin, I. A.

    2017-07-01

    We demonstrate the up-conversion of Tm:LiYF4 infrared (IR) laser radiation with 1908-nm wavelength into visible light with a spectral maximum at 650 nm by ceramics with a composition of (100 - x)TeO2- xBaF2 - 1 wt % HoF3- yYbF3, where x = 20, 30, or 40 mol % and y = 0 or 0.5 wt %. The samples of 60TeO2-40BaF2 - 1 wt % HoF3 - 0.5 wt % YbF3 exhibited anti-Stokes luminescence at a threshold radiation power density of 1.0-1.5 W cm-2.

  7. Principles and applications of the digital luminescent radiography

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Doehring, W.; Prokop, M.; Bergh, B.

    1986-01-01

    Digital luminescent radiography is a novel technique for routine diagnostics that allows the establishment of digital projection radiograms. Two goals are pursued: Best possible utilisation of the image data contained in the radiation field, and integration of these data into a digital communication system. (orig.) [de

  8. Hydrothermal synthesis of two photoluminescent nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots emitted green and khaki luminescence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhu, Xiaohua; Zuo, Xiaoxi; Hu, Ruiping; Xiao, Xin; Liang, Yong; Nan, Junmin

    2014-01-01

    A simple and effective chemical synthesis of the photoluminescent nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) biomaterial is reported. Using the hydrothermal treatment of graphene oxide (GO) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) and ammonia, the N-GQDs are synthesized through H 2 O 2 exfoliating the GO into nanocrystals with lateral dimensions and ammonia passivating the generated active surface. Then, after a dialytic separation, two water-soluble N-GQDs with average size of about 2.1 nm/6.2 nm, which emit green/khaki luminescence and exhibit excitation dependent/independent photoluminescence (PL) behaviors, are obtained. In addition, it is also demonstrated that these two N-GQDs are stable over a broad pH range and have the upconversion PL property, showing this approach provides a simple and effective method to synthesize the functional N-GQDs. - Highlights: • Nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) are prepared by hydrothermal routine. • Two N-GQDs with different size distribution emit green/khaki photoluminescence. • Two N-GQDs exhibit excitation-dependent/independent photoluminescence behaviors

  9. Development of a ratiometric time-resolved luminescence sensor for pH based on lanthanide complexes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Mingjing; Ye, Zhiqiang; Xin, Chenglong; Yuan, Jingli

    2013-01-25

    Time-resolved luminescence bioassay technique using lanthanide complexes as luminescent probes/sensors has shown great utilities in clinical diagnostics and biotechnology discoveries. In this work, a novel terpyridine polyacid derivative that can form highly stable complexes with lanthanide ions in aqueous media, (4'-hydroxy-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine-6,6''-diyl) bis(methylenenitrilo) tetrakis(acetic acid) (HTTA), was designed and synthesized for developing time-resolved luminescence pH sensors based on its Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) complexes. The luminescence characterization results reveal that the luminescence intensity of HTTA-Eu(3+) is strongly dependent on the pH values in weakly acidic to neutral media (pK(a) = 5.8, pH 4.8-7.5), while that of HTTA-Tb(3+) is pH-independent. This unique luminescence response allows the mixture of HTTA-Eu(3+) and HTTA-Tb(3+) (the HTTA-Eu(3+)/Tb(3+) mixture) to be used as a ratiometric luminescence sensor for the time-resolved luminescence detection of pH with the intensity ratio of its Tb(3+) emission at 540 nm to its Eu(3+) emission at 610 nm, I(540 nm)/I(610 nm), as a signal. Moreover, the UV absorption spectrum changes of the HTTA-Eu(3+)/Tb(3+) mixture at different pHs (pH 4.0-7.0) also display a ratiometric response to the pH changes with the ratio of absorbance at 290 nm to that at 325 nm, A(290 nm)/A(325 nm), as a signal. This feature enables the HTTA-Eu(3+)/Tb(3+) mixture to have an additional function for the pH detection with the absorption spectrometry technique. For loading the complexes into the living cells, the acetoxymethyl ester of HTTA was synthesized and used for loading HTTA-Eu(3+) and HTTA-Tb(3+) into the cultured HeLa cells. The luminescence imaging results demonstrated the practical utility of the new sensor for the time-resolved luminescence cell imaging application. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  10. Luminescent beam stop

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Bryant, Diane; Morton, Simon A.

    2017-10-25

    This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to beam stops. In one aspect, a device comprises a luminescent material, a beam stop plate, and an optical fiber. The luminescent material is a parallelepiped having a first side and a second side that are squares and having a third side that is a rectangle or a square. The first side and the second side are perpendicular to the third side. The beam stop plate is attached to the first side of the luminescent material. The optical fiber has a first end and a second end, with the first end of the optical fiber attached to the third side of the luminescent material.

  11. Radiation dose measurements of an on-board imager X-ray unit using optically-stimulated luminescence dosimeters

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Smith, Leon; Haque, Mamoon; Hill, Robin; Morales, Johnny

    2015-01-01

    Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is now widely used to image radiotherapy patients prior to treatment for the purpose of accurate patient setup. However each CBCT image delivered to a patient increases the total radiation dose that they receive. The measurement of the dose delivered from the CBCT images is not readily performed in the clinic. In this study, we have used commercially available optically stimulated luminescence (OSLD) dosimeters to measure the dose delivered by the Varian OBI on a radiotherapy linear accelerator. Calibration of the OSLDs was achieved by using a therapeutic X-ray unit. The dose delivered by a head CBCT scan was found to be 3.2 ± 0.3 mGy which is similar in magnitude to the dose of a head computed tomography (CT) scan. The results of this study suggest that the radiation hazard associated with CBCT is of a similar nature to that of conventional CT scans. We have also demonstrated that the OSLDs are suitable for these low X-ray dose measurements.

  12. Yb3+,Er3+,Eu3+-codoped YVO4 material for bioimaging with dual mode excitation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Thao, Chu Thi Bich; Huy, Bui The; Sharipov, Mirkomil; Kim, Jin-Ik.; Dao, Van-Duong; Moon, Ja-Young; Lee, Yong-Ill

    2017-01-01

    We propose an efficient bioimaging strategy using Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ ,Eu 3+ -triplet doped YVO 4 nanoparticles which were synthesized with polymer as a template. The obtained particles possess nanoscale, uniform, and flexible excitation. The effect of Eu 3+ ions on the luminescence properties of YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ ,Eu 3+ was investigated. The upconversion mechanism of the prepared material was also discussed. The structure and optical properties of the prepared material were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) upconversion and photoluminescence spectra. The Commission International de I′Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates was investigated to confirm the performance of color luminescent emission. The prepared YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ ,Eu 3+ nanoparticles could be easily dispersed in water by surface modification with cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH). The aqueous dispersion of the modified YVO 4 :Yb 3+ ,Er 3+ ,Eu 3+ exhibits bright upconversion and downconversion luminescence and has been applied for bioimaging of HeLa cells. Our developed material with dual excitation offers a promising advance in bioimaging. - Highlights: • Prepared particles possess nanoscale size, uniform, and larger scale. • The material exhibits strong emission under dual mode excitations. • The surface material has been applied for bioimaging of HeLa cell. • Low cytotoxicity, no auto-fluorescence

  13. The effect of intentional potassium co-doping on the luminescent properties of Yb3+ and Tm3+ doped α-NaYF4 core and core–shell nanoparticles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Misiak, Małgorzata; Stręk, Wiesław; Arabasz, Sebastian; Bednarkiewicz, Artur

    2016-01-01

    Simple and effective ways to circumvent limited luminescence efficiency of up-converting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are sought. One of the methods relays on distorting the crystallographic structure of host material by co-doping the nanocrystals with optically inactive co-dopants. Here we study the influence of K + doping and surface passivation on the up-converting properties of the α-NaYF 4 nanocrystals co-doped with 20% Yb 3+ and 0.1 or 2% Tm 3+ . The intentionally chosen concentrations of K + ions, which were meant to replaced sodium ions were fixed to 0, 5, 10, 20 to 30%. Potassium ions modified the spectroscopic properties of both core and core–shell NPs, but the differences were noticed between samples doped with 0.1% Tm 3+ and 2% Tm 3+ ions. Replacement of sodium by potassium ions decreased up-conversion luminescence intensity as well as shortened thulium excited states lifetimes in the samples doped with 0.1% Tm 3+ , while the opposite behavior was found in the samples co-doped with higher 2% thulium concentration. - Highlights: • We studied the influence of K + doping on luminescent properties of α-NaYF 4 :YbTm. • The 0.1 and 2% Tm doped core and core–shell samples were investigated. • K + -doping influence on UC properties was different in low and highly Tm doped NPs. • The explanations of the observed variations were proposed.

  14. High resolution mid-infrared spectroscopy based on frequency upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Hu, Qi; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2013-01-01

    signals can be analyzed. The obtainable frequency resolution is usually in the nm range where sub nm resolution is preferred in many applications, like gas spectroscopy. In this work we demonstrate how to obtain sub nm resolution when using upconversion. In the presented realization one object point...... high resolution spectral performance by observing emission from hot water vapor in a butane gas burner....

  15. Tetherless near-infrared control of brain activity in behaving animals using fully implantable upconversion microdevices.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Ying; Lin, Xudong; Chen, Xi; Chen, Xian; Xu, Zhen; Zhang, Wenchong; Liao, Qinghai; Duan, Xin; Wang, Xin; Liu, Ming; Wang, Feng; He, Jufang; Shi, Peng

    2017-10-01

    Many nanomaterials can be used as sensors or transducers in biomedical research and they form the essential components of transformative novel biotechnologies. In this study, we present an all-optical method for tetherless remote control of neural activity using fully implantable micro-devices based on upconversion technology. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were used as transducers to convert near-infrared (NIR) energy to visible light in order to stimulate neurons expressing different opsin proteins. In our setup, UCNPs were packaged in a glass micro-optrode to form an implantable device with superb long-term biocompatibility. We showed that remotely applied NIR illumination is able to reliably trigger spiking activity in rat brains. In combination with a robotic laser projection system, the upconversion-based tetherless neural stimulation technique was implemented to modulate brain activity in various regions, including the striatum, ventral tegmental area, and visual cortex. Using this system, we were able to achieve behavioral conditioning in freely moving animals. Notably, our microscale device was at least one order of magnitude smaller in size (∼100 μm in diameter) and two orders of magnitude lighter in weight (less than 1 mg) than existing wireless optogenetic devices based on light-emitting diodes. This feature allows simultaneous implantation of multiple UCNP-optrodes to achieve modulation of brain function to control complex animal behavior. We believe that this technology not only represents a novel practical application of upconversion nanomaterials, but also opens up new possibilities for remote control of neural activity in the brains of behaving animals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  16. Performance of Differential-Phase-Shift Keying Protocol Applying 1310 nm Up-Conversion Single-Photon Detector

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Chen-Xu, Feng; Rong-Zhen, Jiao; Wen-Han, Zhang

    2008-01-01

    The performance of the differential-phase-shift keying (DPSK) protocol applying a 1310 nm up-conversion single-photon detector is analysed. The error rate and the communication rate as a function of distance for three quantum key distribution protocols, the Bennett–Brassard 1984, the Bennett–Brassard–Mermin 1992, and the DPSK, are presented. Then we compare the performance of these three protocols using the 1310nm up-conversion detector. We draw the conclusion that the DPSK protocol applying the detector has significant advantage over the other two protocols. Longer transmission distance and lower error rate can be achieved. (general)

  17. Excitation-resolved cone-beam x-ray luminescence tomography.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Liu, Xin; Liao, Qimei; Wang, Hongkai; Yan, Zhuangzhi

    2015-07-01

    Cone-beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography (CB-XLCT), as an emerging imaging technique, plays an important role in in vivo small animal imaging studies. However, CB-XLCT suffers from low-spatial resolution due to the ill-posed nature of reconstruction. We improve the imaging performance of CB-XLCT by using a multiband excitation-resolved imaging scheme combined with principal component analysis. To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, the physical phantom experiment is performed with a custom-made XLCT/XCT imaging system. The experimental results validate the feasibility of the method, where two adjacent nanophosphors (with an edge-to-edge distance of 2.4 mm) can be located.

  18. Long wavelength identification of microcalcifications in breast cancer tissue using a quantum cascade laser and upconversion detection

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Tseng, Yu-Pei; Bouzy, P.; Stone, N.

    2018-01-01

    Spectral imaging in the long-wave infrared regime has great potential for medical diagnostics. Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst females in the US. The pathological features and the occurrence of the microcalcifications are still poorly understood. However, two types of microcalcifi...... hydroxyapatite and of microcalcification in breast cancer tissue using upconversion detection. Absorbance spectra and upconverted images of in situ breast cancer biopsy are compared with that of Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.......Spectral imaging in the long-wave infrared regime has great potential for medical diagnostics. Breast cancer is the most common cancer amongst females in the US. The pathological features and the occurrence of the microcalcifications are still poorly understood. However, two types...... of microcalcifications have been identified as unique biomarkers: type I consisting of calcium oxalate (benign lesions) and type II composed of hydroxyapatite (benign or invasive lesions). In this study, we propose a new approach based on vibrational spectroscopy that is non-destructive, label-free and chemically...

  19. Handbook of luminescent semiconductor materials

    CERN Document Server

    Bergman, Leah

    2011-01-01

    Photoluminescence spectroscopy is an important approach for examining the optical interactions in semiconductors and optical devices with the goal of gaining insight into material properties. With contributions from researchers at the forefront of this field, Handbook of Luminescent Semiconductor Materials explores the use of this technique to study semiconductor materials in a variety of applications, including solid-state lighting, solar energy conversion, optical devices, and biological imaging. After introducing basic semiconductor theory and photoluminescence principles, the book focuses

  20. Temperature-dependent luminescence and temperature-stimulated NIR-to-VIS up-conversion in Nd3+-doped La2O3-Na2O-ZnO-TeO2 glasses

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sobczyk, Marcin

    2013-04-01

    Telluride glasses of the composition xNd2O3-(7-x)La2O3-3Na2O-25ZnO-65TeO2, where (0≤x≤7) were prepared by the melt quench technique. Some physical and optical properties of the glasses were evaluated. The thermal behavior i.e. glass transition and crystallization temperatures were studied by using TGA-DTA technique. Optical properties of Nd3+-doped telluride glasses were investigated between 298 and 700 K. Basing on the obtained values of J-O parameter values (×10-20 cm2: Ω2=4.49±0.84, Ω4=5.03±0.61, Ω6=4.31±0.73), the radiative transition probabilities (AT), radiative lifetimes (τR), fluorescence branching ratios (β) and emission cross-sections (σem) were calculated for the 4F3/2→4IJ/2 (where J=9, 11 and 13) transitions of Nd3+ ions. The τR value of the 4F3/2 level amount to 164 μs and is slightly higher than the measured decay time of 162 μs. With the increasing of Nd2O3 concentration from 0.5 to 7.0 mol% the experimental lifetime of the fluorescent level decreases from 162 to 5.6 μs. The estimated quantum efficiency amount to 100%, based on a comparison of τR and the experimental decay time of a slightly doped Nd3+ telluride glass. An analysis of the non-radiative decay was based on the cross-relaxation mechanisms. The 4F3/2→4I9/2 and 4F5/2→4I9/2 transitions were analyzed with respect to the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) and were found to be temperature dependent. Infrared-to-visible up-conversion emissions with a maximum at 603.0 and 635.3 nm were observed at high temperatures using the 804 nm excitation and are due to the 4G5/2→4I9/2 and 4G5/2→4I11/2 transitions of Nd3+ ions, respectively. The near quadratic dependence of fluorescence on excitation laser power confirms that two photons contribute to up-conversion of the orange emissions. The temperature-stimulated up-conversion excitation processes have been analyzed in detail. The optical results indicate that the investigated glasses are potentially applicable as a 1063 nm

  1. Luminescent Metal Nanoclusters for Potential Chemosensor Applications

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Muthaiah Shellaiah

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Studies of metal nanocluster (M-NCs-based sensors for specific analyte detection have achieved significant progress in recent decades. Ultra-small-size (<2 nm M-NCs consist of several to a few hundred metal atoms and exhibit extraordinary physical and chemical properties. Similar to organic molecules, M-NCs display absorption and emission properties via electronic transitions between energy levels upon interaction with light. As such, researchers tend to apply M-NCs in diverse fields, such as in chemosensors, biological imaging, catalysis, and environmental and electronic devices. Chemo- and bio-sensory uses have been extensively explored with luminescent NCs of Au, Ag, Cu, and Pt as potential sensory materials. Luminescent bi-metallic NCs, such as Au-Ag, Au-Cu, Au-Pd, and Au-Pt have also been used as probes in chemosensory investigations. Both metallic and bi-metallic NCs have been utilized to detect various analytes, such as metal ions, anions, biomolecules, proteins, acidity or alkalinity of a solution (pH, and nucleic acids, at diverse detection ranges and limits. In this review, we have summarized the chemosensory applications of luminescent M-NCs and bi-metallic NCs.

  2. Tuning into single-band red upconversion luminescence in Yb(3+)/Ho(3+) activated nano-glass-ceramics through Ce(3+) doping.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Daqin; Zhou, Yang; Wan, Zhongyi; Ji, Zhenguo; Huang, Ping

    2015-03-28

    Yb(3+)/Ho(3+) activated glass ceramics containing β-YF3 nanocrystals were successfully fabricated. The green ((5)S2/(5)F4→(5)I8) upconversion emission is dominant in the glass ceramics and is about 160 times stronger than that of the precursor glass, resulting from the partition of lanthanide activators into a low-phonon-energy crystalline lattice and the subsequent low probability of multi-phonon nonradiative relaxation from the (5)S2/(5)F4 and (5)I6 states to the lower ones. Upon the introduction of Ce(3+) ions into nano-glass-ceramics, two efficient cross-relaxation processes between Ho(3+) and Ce(3+), i.e., Ho(3+):(5)S2/(5)F4 + Ce(3+):(2)F5/2→Ho(3+):(5)F5 + Ce(3+):(2)F7/2 and Ho(3+):(5)I6 + Ce(3+):(2)F5/2→Ho(3+):(5)I7 + Ce(3+):(2)F7/2, are demonstrated to greatly suppress the population of the green-emitting (5)S2/(5)F4 state and to enhance the population of the red-emitting (5)F5 one, leading to the intense single-band red UC radiation of Ho(3+).

  3. Luminescence detection of shellfish

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sanderson, D.C.W.; Carmichael, L.A.; Spencer, J.Q.; Naylor, J.D.

    1996-01-01

    The Scottish Universities Research and Reactor Centre (SURRC) has been active in the development and application of luminescence techniques in the detection of irradiated foods, in support of UK legislation. Thermoluminescence (TL), photostimulated luminescence (PSL) and photo-transfer luminescence (PTTL) are radiation-specific phenomena which arise due to energy stored by trapped charge carriers following irradiation. The energy released following stimulation is accompanied by detectable luminescence. The TL method involves preparation of pure silicate extracts from the sample and subsequent TL analysis, whereas PSL uses stimulation by electromagnetic radiation (visible, or near visible wavelengths) thus avoiding heating the sample. (author)

  4. Fabrication of Up-Conversion Phosphor Films on Flexible Substrates Using a Nanostructured Organo-Silicon.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jeon, Young-Sun; Kim, Tae-Un; Kim, Seon-Hoon; Lee, Young-Hwan; Choi, Pil-Son; Hwang, Kyu-Seog

    2018-03-01

    Up-conversion phosphors have attracted considerable attention because of their applications in solid-state lasers, optical communications, flat-panel displays, photovoltaic cells, and biological labels. Among them, NaYF4 is reported as one of the most efficient hosts for infrared to visible photon up-conversion of Yb3+ and Er3+ ions. However, a low-temperature method is required for industrial scale fabrication of photonic and optoelectronic devices on flexible organic substrates. In this study, hexagonal β-NaYF4: 3 mol% Yb3+, 3 mol% Er3+ up-conversion phosphor using Ca2+ was prepared by chemical solution method. Then, we synthesized a nanostructured organo-silicon compound from methyl tri-methoxysilane and 3-glycidoxy-propyl-trimethoxy-silane. The transmittance of the organo-silicon compound was found to be over 90% in the wavelength range of 400~1500 nm. Then we prepared a fluoride-based phosphor paste by mixing the organo-silicon compound with Na(Ca)YF4:Yb3+, Er3+. Subsequently, this paste was coated on polyethylene terephthalate, followed by heat-treatment at 120 °C. The visible emission of the infrared detection card was found to be at 655 nm and 661 nm an excitation wavelength of 980 nm.

  5. Increasing conversion efficiency of two-step photon up-conversion solar cell with a voltage booster hetero-interface.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Asahi, Shigeo; Kusaki, Kazuki; Harada, Yukihiro; Kita, Takashi

    2018-01-17

    Development of high-efficiency solar cells is one of the attractive challenges in renewable energy technologies. Photon up-conversion can reduce the transmission loss and is one of the promising concepts which improve conversion efficiency. Here we present an analysis of the conversion efficiency, which can be increased by up-conversion in a single-junction solar cell with a hetero-interface that boosts the output voltage. We confirm that an increase in the quasi-Fermi gap and substantial photocurrent generation result in a high conversion efficiency.

  6. Luminescence Properties of Self-Aggregating TbIII-DOTA-Functionalized Calix[4]arenes

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mayer, Florian; Tiruvadi Krishnan, Sriram; Schühle, Daniel T.; Eliseeva, Svetlana V.; Petoud, Stéphane; Tóth, Éva; Djanashvili, Kristina

    2018-01-01

    Self-aggregating calix[4]arenes carrying four DOTA ligands on the upper rim for stable complexation of paramagnetic GdIII-ions have already been proposed as MRI probes. In this work, we investigate the luminescence properties of TbIII-DOTA-calix[4]arene-4OPr containing four propyl-groups and compare them with those of the analogue substituted with a phthalimide chromophore (TbIII-DOTA-calix[4]arene-3OPr-OPhth). We show that, given its four aromatic rings, the calix[4]arene core acts as an effective sensitizer of Tb-centered luminescence. Substituents on the lower rim can modulate the aggregation behavior, which in turn determines the luminescence properties of the compounds. In solid state, the quantum yield of the phthalimide derivative is almost three times as high as that of the propyl-functionalized analogue demonstrating a beneficial role of the chromophore on Tb-luminescence. In solution, however, the effect of the phthalimide group vanishes, which we attribute to the large distance between the chromophore and the lanthanide, situated on the opposite rims of the calix[4]arene. Both quantum yields and luminescence lifetimes show clear concentration dependence in solution, related to the strong impact of aggregation on the luminescence behaviour. We also evidence the variability in the values of the critical micelle concentration depending on the experimental technique. Such luminescent calix[4]arene platforms accommodating stable lanthanide complexes can be considered valuable building blocks for the design of dual MR/optical imaging probes.

  7. Violet and visible up-conversion emission in Yb{sup 3+}-Ho{sup 3+} co-doped germanium-borate glasses

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Yang Yanmin, E-mail: mihuyym@163.co [College of Physics Science and Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002 (China); Zhang Meixin [Forensic Science Lab, Hebei University, Baoding 071002 (China); Yang Zhiping [College of Physics Science and Technology, Hebei University, Baoding 071002 (China); Fu Zuoling [Key Laboratory of Coherent Light, Atomic and Molecular Spectroscopy, College of physics, Jilin University, Ministry of Education, Changchun 130023 (China)

    2010-10-15

    The up-conversion emission properties of Yb{sup 3+}-Ho{sup 3+} co-doped germanium-borate glasses have been investigated with 980 nm excitation. The violet, blue, green and red emission bands at about 350, 485, 544 and 653 nm can be identified, respectively. Experimental results indicated that the relative intensity ratios of the peaks I{sub Red}/I{sub Green} increased with increasing B{sub 2}O{sub 3} concentration, which led to changing color of up-conversion emission from green at x=0 to yellow at x=40, to red at x=60. The violet emission at 350 nm was first reported in germanium-borate glass host and up-conversion mechanisms of the emissions were discussed. The Yb{sup 3+}-Ho{sup 3+} co-doped germanium-borate glasses could be an alternative for the generation of violet and primary colors for application in solid-state displays.

  8. Optimization of a miniature short-wavelength infrared objective optics of a short-wavelength infrared to visible upconversion layer attached to a mobile-devices visible camera

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kadosh, Itai; Sarusi, Gabby

    2017-10-01

    The use of dual cameras in parallax in order to detect and create 3-D images in mobile devices has been increasing over the last few years. We propose a concept where the second camera will be operating in the short-wavelength infrared (SWIR-1300 to 1800 nm) and thus have night vision capability while preserving most of the other advantages of dual cameras in terms of depth and 3-D capabilities. In order to maintain commonality of the two cameras, we propose to attach to one of the cameras a SWIR to visible upconversion layer that will convert the SWIR image into a visible image. For this purpose, the fore optics (the objective lenses) should be redesigned for the SWIR spectral range and the additional upconversion layer, whose thickness is mobile device visible range camera sensor (the CMOS sensor). This paper presents such a SWIR objective optical design and optimization that is formed and fit mechanically to the visible objective design but with different lenses in order to maintain the commonality and as a proof-of-concept. Such a SWIR objective design is very challenging since it requires mimicking the original visible mobile camera lenses' sizes and the mechanical housing, so we can adhere to the visible optical and mechanical design. We present in depth a feasibility study and the overall optical system performance of such a SWIR mobile-device camera fore optics design.

  9. Synthesis of improved upconversion nanoparticles as ultrasensitive fluorescence probe for mycotoxins

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chen, Quansheng, E-mail: q.s.chen@hotmail.com; Hu, Weiwei; Sun, Cuicui; Li, Huanhuan; Ouyang, Qin

    2016-09-28

    Rare earth-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have promising potentials in biodetection due to their unique frequency upconverting capability and high detection sensitivity. This paper reports an improved UCNPs-based fluorescence probe for dual-sensing of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and Deoxynivalenol (DON) using a magnetism-induced separation and the specific formation of antibody-targets complex. Herein, the improved UCNPs, which were namely NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Ho/Gd and NaYF{sub 4}:Yb/Tm/Gd, were systematically studied based on the optimization of reaction time, temperature and the concentration of dopant ions with simultaneous phase and size controlled NaYF{sub 4} nanoparticles; and the targets were detected using the pattern of competitive combination assay. Under an optimized condition, the advanced fluorescent probes revealed stronger fluorescent properties, broader biological applications and better storage stabilities compared to traditional UCNPs-based ones; and ultrasensitive determinations of AFB1 and DON were achieved under a wide sensing range of 0.001–0.1 ng ml{sup −1} with the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.001 ng ml{sup −1}. Additionally, the applicability of the improved nanosensor for the detection of mycotoxins was also confirmed in adulterated oil samples. - Highlights: • Improved rare earth-doped upconversion nanoparticles were prepared with detailed optimizations. • Setup of an upconversion fluorescence spectrometer. • An advanced UCNPs-based immunosensor for dual-sensing mycotoxins was developed with a LOD of 0.001 ng ml{sup −1}. • Application of this biosensor to detect targets in real samples were confirmed with satisfied results.

  10. Positron-Induced Luminescence

    Science.gov (United States)

    Stenson, E. V.; Hergenhahn, U.; Stoneking, M. R.; Pedersen, T. Sunn

    2018-04-01

    We report on the observation that low-energy positrons incident on a phosphor screen produce significantly more luminescence than electrons do. For two different wide-band-gap semiconductor phosphors (ZnS:Ag and ZnO:Zn), we compare the luminescent response to a positron beam with the response to an electron beam. For both phosphors, the positron response is significantly brighter than the electron response, by a factor that depends strongly on incident energy (0-5 keV). Positrons with just a few tens of electron-volts of energy (for ZnS:Ag) or less (for ZnO:Zn) produce as much luminescence as is produced by electrons with several kilo-electron-volts. We attribute this effect to valence band holes and excited electrons produced by positron annihilation and subsequent Auger processes. These results demonstrate a valuable approach for addressing long-standing questions about luminescent materials.

  11. Dual-color upconversion fluorescence and aptamer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles-based bioassay for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Duan, Nuo; Wu, Shijia; Zhu, Changqing; Ma, Xiaoyuan; Wang, Zhouping; Yu, Ye; Jiang, Yuan

    2012-04-20

    A sensitive luminescent bioassay for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus was developed using aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for both recognition and concentration elements and using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as highly sensitive dual-color labels. The bioassay system was fabricated by immobilizing aptamer 1 and aptamer 2 onto the surface of MNPs, which were employed to capture and concentrate S. Typhimurium and S. aureus. NaY(0.78)F(4):Yb(0.2),Tm(0.02) UCNPs modified aptamer 1 and NaY(0.28)F(4):Yb(0.70),Er(0.02) UCNPs modified aptamer 2 further were bond onto the captured bacteria surface to form sandwich-type complexes. Under optimal conditions, the correlation between the concentration of S. Typhimurium and the luminescent signal was found to be linear within the range of 10(1)-10(5) cfu mL(-1) (R(2)=0.9964), and the signal was in the range of 10(1)-10(5) cfu mL(-1) (R(2)=0.9936) for S. aureus. The limits of detection of the developed method were found to be 5 and 8 cfu mL(-1) for S. Typhimurium and S. aureus, respectively. The ability of the bioassay to detect S. Typhimurium and S. aureus in real water samples was also investigated, and the results were compared to the experimental results from the plate-counting methods. Improved by the magnetic separation and concentration effect of MNPs, the high sensitivity of UCNPs, and the different emission lines of Yb/Er- and Yb/Tm-doped NaYF(4) UCNPs excited by a 980 nm laser, the present method performs with both high sensitivity and selectivity for the two different types of bacteria. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  12. Hard X-ray-induced optical luminescence via biomolecule-directed metal clusters†

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pratx, Guillem; Sun, Conroy; Sakamoto, Masanori; Ahmad, Moiz; Volotskova, Olga; Ong, Qunxiang; Teranishi, Toshiharu; Harada, Yoshie

    2014-01-01

    Here, we demonstrate that biomolecule-directed metal clusters are applicable in the study of hard X-ray excited optical luminescence, promising a new direction in the development of novel X-ray-activated imaging probes. PMID:24463467

  13. Emission properties of hydrothermal Yb{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+} and Yb{sup 3+}, Tm{sup 3+}-codoped Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods: upconversion, cathodoluminescence and assessment of waveguide behavior

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Barrera, Elixir William; Pujol, MarIa Cinta; DIaz, Francesc [Fisica i Cristal.lografia de Materials, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Campus Sescelades c/ Marcel.lI Domingo s/n, E-43007 Tarragona (Spain); Choi, Soo Bong; Rotermund, Fabian [Division of Energy Systems Research, Ajou University, 443-749 Suwon (Korea, Republic of); Park, Kyung Ho [Korea Advanced Nano Fab Center, 443-270 Suwon (Korea, Republic of); Jeong, Mun Seok [Advanced Photonics Research Institute, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 500-712 Gwangju (Korea, Republic of); Cascales, Concepcion, E-mail: ccascales@icmm.csic.es [Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones CientIficas, c/Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz, 3 Cantoblanco, E-28049 Madrid (Spain)

    2011-02-18

    Yb{sup 3+} and Ln{sup 3+} (Ln{sup 3+} = Er{sup 3+} or Tm{sup 3+}) codoped Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods with cubic Ia3-bar symmetry have been prepared by low temperature hydrothermal procedures, and their luminescence properties and waveguide behavior analyzed by means of scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM). Room temperature upconversion (UC) under excitation at 980 nm and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were studied as a function of the Yb{sup +} concentration in the prepared nanorods. UC spectra revealed the strong development of Er{sup 3+4}F{sub 9/2} {yields} 4I{sub 15/2} (red) and Tm{sup 3+1}G{sub 4} {yields} {sup 3}H{sub 6} (blue) bands, which became the pre-eminent and even unique emissions for corresponding nanorods with the higher Yb{sup 3+} concentration. Favored by the presence of large phonons in current nanorods, UC mechanisms that privilege the population of {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} and {sup 1}G{sub 4} emitting levels through phonon-assisted energy transfer and non-radiative relaxations account for these observed UC luminescence features. CL spectra show much more moderate development of the intensity ratio between the Er{sup 3+4}F{sub 9/2} {yields}{sup 4}I{sub 15/2} (red) and {sup 2}H{sub 11/2}, {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} {yields} {sup 4}I{sub 15/2} (green) emissions with the increase in the Yb{sup 3+} content, while for Yb{sup 3+}, Tm{sup 3+}-codoped Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3} nanorods the dominant CL emission is Tm{sup 3+1}D{sub 2} {yields} {sup 3}F{sub 4} (deep-blue). Uniform light emission along Yb{sup 3+}, Er{sup 3+}-codoped Lu{sub 2}O{sub 3} rods has been observed by using SNOM photoluminescence images; however, the rods seem to be too thin for propagation of light.

  14. Nanostructured rare earth doped Nb2O5: Structural, optical properties and their correlation with photonic applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pereira, Rafael Ramiro; Aquino, Felipe Thomaz; Ferrier, Alban; Goldner, Philippe; Gonçalves, Rogéria R.

    2016-01-01

    In the present work, we report on a systematic study on structural and spectroscopic properties Eu 3+ and Er 3+ -doped Nb 2 O 5 prepared by sol–gel method. The Eu 3+ ions were used as structural probe to determine the symmetry sites occupied by lanthanide ions. The Eu 3+ -doped Nb 2 O 5 nanocrystalline powders were annealed at different temperatures to verify how the different Nb 2 O 5 crystalline phases affect the structure and the luminescence properties. Er 3+ -doped Nb 2 O 5 was prepared showing an intense NIR luminescence, and, visible luminescence on the green and red, deriving from upconversion process. The synthetized materials can find widespread applicability in photonics as red luminophor for white LED (with tricolor), optical amplifiers and upconverter materials. - Highlights: • Vis and NIR emission from nanostructured lanthanide doped Nb 2 O 5 . • Eu 3+ -doped Nb 2 O 5 as Red luminophor. • Multicolor tunability of intense upconversion emission from lanthanide doped Nb 2 O 5 . • Potential application as biological markers. • Broad band NIR emission.

  15. Systematic assessment of blood circulation time of functionalized upconversion nanoparticles in the chick embryo

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nadort, Annemarie; Liang, Liuen; Grebenik, Ekaterina; Guller, Anna; Lu, Yiqing; Qian, Yi; Goldys, Ewa; Zvyagin, Andrei

    2015-12-01

    Nanoparticle-based delivery of drugs and contrast agents holds great promise in cancer research, because of the increased delivery efficiency compared to `free' drugs and dyes. A versatile platform to investigate nanotechnology is the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane tumour model, due to its availability (easy, cheap) and accessibility (interventions, imaging). In our group, we developed this model using several tumour cell lines (e.g. breast cancer, colon cancer). In addition, we have synthesized in-house silica coated photoluminescent upconversion nanoparticles with several functional groups (COOH, NH2, PEG). In this work we will present the systematic assessment of their in vivo blood circulation times. To this end, we injected chick embryos grown ex ovo with the functionalized UCNPs and obtained a small amount of blood at several time points after injection to create blood smears The UCNP signal from the blood smears was quantified using a modified inverted microscope imaging set-up. The results of this systematic study are valuable to optimize biochemistry protocols and guide nanomedicine advancement in the versatile chick embryo tumour model.

  16. Luminescence from metals and insulators

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Crawford, O.H.

    1985-01-01

    The term luminescence is normally applied to light emission that is not explainable by the mechanisms discussed by the other speakers in this meeting. Specifically, it is not transition radiation, surface plasmon radiation, or bremsstrahlung. One normally thinks of luminescence as arising from one-electron transitions within a medium. This talk consists of an overview of luminescence from condensed matter under irradiation by either energetic particles or photons. The author begins with organic molecules, where luminescence is best understood, and then discusses inorganic insulators and metals. Finally, the dependence of yield upon projectile species and velocity is discussed, and predictions are made concerning the relative effectiveness of electrons, protons, and hydrogen atoms in exciting luminescence

  17. Yb{sup 3+},Er{sup 3+},Eu{sup 3+}-codoped YVO{sub 4} material for bioimaging with dual mode excitation

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Thao, Chu Thi Bich [Department of Chemistry, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Huy, Bui The [Department of Chemistry, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, K7/25 Quang Trung, Da Nang (Viet Nam); Sharipov, Mirkomil [Department of Chemistry, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Kim, Jin-Ik. [Department of Biochemistry and Health Science, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Dao, Van-Duong [Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 305-764 (Korea, Republic of); Moon, Ja-Young [Department of Biochemistry and Health Science, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of); Lee, Yong-Ill, E-mail: yilee@changwon.ac.kr [Department of Chemistry, Changwon National University, Changwon 641-773 (Korea, Republic of)

    2017-06-01

    We propose an efficient bioimaging strategy using Yb{sup 3+},Er{sup 3+},Eu{sup 3+}-triplet doped YVO{sub 4} nanoparticles which were synthesized with polymer as a template. The obtained particles possess nanoscale, uniform, and flexible excitation. The effect of Eu{sup 3+} ions on the luminescence properties of YVO{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+},Er{sup 3+},Eu{sup 3+} was investigated. The upconversion mechanism of the prepared material was also discussed. The structure and optical properties of the prepared material were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) upconversion and photoluminescence spectra. The Commission International de I′Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates was investigated to confirm the performance of color luminescent emission. The prepared YVO{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+},Er{sup 3+},Eu{sup 3+} nanoparticles could be easily dispersed in water by surface modification with cysteine (Cys) and glutathione (GSH). The aqueous dispersion of the modified YVO{sub 4}:Yb{sup 3+},Er{sup 3+},Eu{sup 3+} exhibits bright upconversion and downconversion luminescence and has been applied for bioimaging of HeLa cells. Our developed material with dual excitation offers a promising advance in bioimaging. - Highlights: • Prepared particles possess nanoscale size, uniform, and larger scale. • The material exhibits strong emission under dual mode excitations. • The surface material has been applied for bioimaging of HeLa cell. • Low cytotoxicity, no auto-fluorescence.

  18. Facile EG/ionic liquid interfacial synthesis of uniform RE(3+) doped NaYF(4) nanocubes.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Chao; Chen, Ji

    2010-01-28

    Uniform multicolor upconversion luminescent RE(3+) doped NaYF(4) nanocubes are fabricated through a facile ethylene glycol (EG)/ionic liquid interfacial synthesis route at 80 degrees C, with the ionic liquids acting as both reagents and templates.

  19. Synthesis and characterization of α-NaYF{sub 4}: Yb, Er nanoparticles by reverse microemulsion method

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Gunaseelan, M.; Senthilselvan, J., E-mail: jsselvan@hotmail.com [Department of Nuclear Physics, University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu (India)

    2016-05-06

    A simple and cost effective reverse microemulsion system was newly designed to synthesis NaYF{sub 4}:20%Yb,2%Er upconverting luminescent nanoparticles. XRD results confirms the cubic structure of NaYF{sub 4} nanophosphor in the as prepared condition without any other impurity phases. The as-prepared sample itself having highly crystalline nanoparticle with well dispersed uniform morphology is the advantage of this reverse microemulsion process. HRTEM images of as prepared and calcined samples revealed spherical nanoclusters morphology with size of ~210 nm and ~245 nm respectively. The characteristic absorption wavelength that occurs at 980 nm due to transition of energy levels {sup 2}F{sub 5/2} to {sup 2}F{sub 7/2} for Yb{sup 3+} rare earth ion in as prepared and calcined upconversion nanoparticle confirms the presence of Yb{sup 3+} by UV-Visible spectroscopy which can act as a sensitizer for photonic upconversion. Therefore the absorption at NIR region and emission spectrum at visible region suggests that NaYF{sub 4}:20%Yb,2%Er is suitable for upcoversion process, due to its optical property and chemical stability this material also be useful for bio imaging applications.

  20. Contribution to digital radiography. Study of a 2D X-ray sensor for mammography using the electrically-stimulated-luminescence effect

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ayral, Jean-Luc

    1990-01-01

    Radiography is in a fast change period. This work describes the study and demonstration of a new type of 2D flat X-Ray sensor for mammography and delivering a digital signal. X-ray transmission study of breast tissues leads to: a-definition of X-Ray photons properties for optimized signal-to-noise ratio, and b-specifications of a 2D X-Ray sensor such as mean exposure, dynamic range and pixel size. Then the X-Ray detection processes using a direct or a delayed luminescence mechanism are reviewed. The detailed analysis of the different ways for detecting visible photons is combined with the system specifications (pixel size, image reading time) in order to characterize (from a signal-to-noise ratio aspect) an X-Ray imaging system integrating a delayed luminescence property. The imaging plate and associated luminescent material are specified by their minimum X-Ray absorption and conversion gain. The Gudden-Pohl effect, or Electrically Stimulated Luminescence (ESL) is experimentally studied and quantified under X-Ray excitation in ZnCdS: Cu, Al materials. An original UV sensitization technique opens us the way to highly reproducible results and large sensitivity. The obtained information storage time in the material is compatible with a delayed image reading. These results allow the achievement of an X-Ray imaging demonstrator integrating the ESL imaging plate, an intensified CCD sensor and the sensitization technique. First images are obtained. Further conception of real dimension X-Ray imaging system for mammography is described. (author) [fr

  1. Dependence of upconversion emission intensity on Yb3+ concentration in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped flake shaped Y2(MoO4)3 phosphors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lu Weili; Cheng Lihong; Zhong Haiyang; Sun Jiashi; Wan Jing; Tian Yue; Chen Baojiu

    2010-01-01

    Yttrium molybdate phosphors with fixed Er 3+ and various Yb 3+ concentrations were synthesized via a co-precipitation method. The crystal structure and the morphology of the phosphor were characterized by means of x-ray diffraction and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. Under 980 nm excitation, red and green upconversion emissions centred at 660, 553 and 530 nm were observed. Quantitative analyses on the dependence of upconversion emission intensity on the working current of a laser diode (LD) indicated that two-photon processes are responsible for both red and green upconversion emissions in both cases of low and high Yb 3+ concentrations. The relationship between the emission intensity ratio of 2 H 11/2 → 4 I 15/2 to 4 S 3/2 → 4 I 15/2 and the working current of the LD was studied for the samples doped with low and high Yb 3+ concentrations. Finally, a set of rate equations was established based on the possible upconversion mechanism, and an empirical formula was proposed to describe the Yb 3+ concentration dependence of upconversion emission intensity; the empirical formula fits well with the experimental data.

  2. Luminescence Properties of Self-Aggregating TbIII-DOTA-Functionalized Calix[4]arenes

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Florian Mayer

    2018-01-01

    Full Text Available Self-aggregating calix[4]arenes carrying four DOTA ligands on the upper rim for stable complexation of paramagnetic GdIII-ions have already been proposed as MRI probes. In this work, we investigate the luminescence properties of TbIII-DOTA-calix[4]arene-4OPr containing four propyl-groups and compare them with those of the analog substituted with a phthalimide chromophore (TbIII-DOTA-calix[4]arene-3OPr-OPhth. We show that, given its four aromatic rings, the calix[4]arene core acts as an effective sensitizer of Tb-centered luminescence. Substituents on the lower rim can modulate the aggregation behavior, which in turn determines the luminescence properties of the compounds. In solid state, the quantum yield of the phthalimide derivative is almost three times as high as that of the propyl-functionalized analog demonstrating a beneficial role of the chromophore on Tb-luminescence. In solution, however, the effect of the phthalimide group vanishes, which we attribute to the large distance between the chromophore and the lanthanide, situated on the opposite rims of the calix[4]arene. Both quantum yields and luminescence lifetimes show clear concentration dependence in solution, related to the strong impact of aggregation on the luminescence behavior. We also evidence the variability in the values of the critical micelle concentration depending on the experimental technique. Such luminescent calix[4]arene platforms accommodating stable lanthanide complexes can be considered valuable building blocks for the design of dual MR/optical imaging probes.

  3. Ultra-broadband mid-wave-IR upconversion detection

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Barh, Ajanta; Pedersen, Christian; Tidemand-Lichtenberg, Peter

    2017-01-01

    In this Letter, we demonstrate efficient room temperature detection of ultra-broadband mid-wave-infrared (MWIR) light with an almost flat response over more than 1200 nm, exploiting an efficient nonlinear upconversion technique. Black-body radiation from a hot soldering iron rod is used as the IR...... test source. Placing a 20 mm long periodically poled lithium niobate crystal in a compact intra-cavity setup (> 20 WCW pump at 1064 nm), MWIR wavelengths ranging from 3.6 to 4.85 mu m are upconverted to near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths (820-870 nm). The NIR light is detected using a standard low...

  4. Detection of telomerase on upconversion nanoparticle modified cellulose paper.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Faming; Li, Wen; Wang, Jiasi; Ren, Jinsong; Qu, Xiaogang

    2015-07-25

    Herein we report a convenient and sensitive method for the detection of telomerase activity based on upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) modified cellulose paper. Compared with many solution-phase systems, this paper chip is more stable and easily stores the test results. What's more, the low background fluorescence of the UCNPs increases the sensitivity of this method, and the low telomerase levels in different cell lines can clearly be discriminated by the naked eye.

  5. Resonance-shifting luminescent solar concentrators

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Giebink, Noel Christopher; Wiederrecht, Gary P.; Wasielewski, Michael R.

    2018-01-23

    An optical system and method to overcome luminescent solar concentrator inefficiencies by resonance-shifting, in which sharply directed emission from a bi-layer cavity into a glass substrate returns to interact with the cavity off-resonance at each subsequent reflection, significantly reducing reabsorption loss en route to the edges. In one embodiment, the system comprises a luminescent solar concentrator comprising a transparent substrate, a luminescent film having a variable thickness; and a low refractive index layer disposed between the transparent substrate and the luminescent film.

  6. Luminescent Lanthanide Reporters for High-Sensitivity Novel Bioassays

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Anstey, Mitchell R. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Fruetel, Julia A. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Foster, Michael E. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Hayden, Carl C. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Buckley, Heather L. [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States); Arnold, John [Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)

    2013-09-01

    Biological imaging and assay technologies rely on fluorescent organic dyes as reporters for a number of interesting targets and processes. However, limitations of organic dyes such as small Stokes shifts, spectral overlap of emission signals with native biological fluorescence background, and photobleaching have all inhibited the development of highly sensitive assays. To overcome the limitations of organic dyes for bioassays, we propose to develop lanthanide-based luminescent dyes and demonstrate them for molecular reporting applications. This relatively new family of dyes was selected for their attractive spectral and chemical properties. Luminescence is imparted by the lanthanide atom and allows for relatively simple chemical structures that can be tailored to the application. The photophysical properties offer unique features such as narrow and non-overlapping emission bands, long luminescent lifetimes, and long wavelength emission, which enable significant sensitivity improvements over organic dyes through spectral and temporal gating of the luminescent signal.Growth in this field has been hindered due to the necessary advanced synthetic chemistry techniques and access to experts in biological assay development. Our strategy for the development of a new lanthanide-based fluorescent reporter system is based on chelation of the lanthanide metal center using absorbing chromophores. Our first strategy involves "Click" chemistry to develop 3-fold symmetric chelators and the other involves use of a new class of tetrapyrrole ligands called corroles. This two-pronged approach is geared towards the optimization of chromophores to enhance light output.

  7. Feldspar, Infrared Stimulated Luminescence

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jain, Mayank

    2014-01-01

    This entry primarily concerns the characteristics and the origins of infrared-stimulated luminescence in feldspars.......This entry primarily concerns the characteristics and the origins of infrared-stimulated luminescence in feldspars....

  8. Photodynamic therapy using upconversion nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in liquid

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Ikehata, Tomohiro; Onodera, Yuji; Nunokawa, Takashi [Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502 (Japan); Hirano, Tomohisa; Ogura, Shun-ichiro; Kamachi, Toshiaki [Graduate School of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502 (Japan); Odawara, Osamu [Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502 (Japan); Wada, Hiroyuki, E-mail: wada.h.ac@m.titech.ac.jp [Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 4259 Nagatsuta-cho, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8502 (Japan)

    2015-09-01

    Highlights: • Highly crystalline upconversion nanoparticles were prepared by laser ablation in liquid. • Highly transparent near-IR irradiation generated singlet oxygen. • Viability of cancer cells was significantly decreased by near-IR irradiation. - Abstract: Upconversion nanoparticles were prepared by laser ablation in liquid, and the potential use of the nanoparticles for cancer treatment was investigated. A Nd:YAG/SHG laser (532 nm, 13 ns, 10 Hz) was used for ablation, and the cancer treatment studied was photodynamic therapy (PDT). Morphology and crystallinity of prepared nanoparticles were examined by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Red and green emissions resulting from near-infrared excitation were observed by a fluorescence spectrophotometer. Generation of singlet oxygen was confirmed by a photochemical method using 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran (DPBF). In vitro experiments using cultivated cancer cells were conducted to investigate PDT effects. Uptake of the photosensitizer by cancer cells and cytotoxicities of cancer cells were also examined. We conclude that the combination of PDT and highly crystalline nanoparticles, which were prepared by laser ablation in liquid, is an effective cancer treatment.

  9. Towards rare-earth-ion-doped Al2O3 active integrated optical devices

    OpenAIRE

    Ay, F.; Bradley, J.; Worhoff, Kerstin; Pollnau, Markus

    2007-01-01

    Aluminum oxide planar waveguides with low loss (0.11 dB/cm at 1523 nm) are fabricated. Channel waveguides are obtained by reactive ion etching. Erbium-doped layers show no upconversion luminescence, a hint that ion clustering is small.

  10. Study of the focusing effect of silica microspheres on the upconversion of Er3+–Yb3+ codoped glass ceramics

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Pérez-Rodríguez, C.; Imanieh, M.H.; Martín, L.L; Ríos, S.; Martín, I.R.; Yekta, Bijan Eftekhari

    2013-01-01

    Highlights: •Silica microspheres have been located on the surface of glass and glass ceramics samples codoped with Er and Yb. •Microspheres act as microlens of the 950 nm excitation light resulting in focalized excited regions in the samples with sizes under the micron. •Intense red upconversion is achieved in the focalized areas. •Microspheres collect the upconversion emission light, scoping with the together microlensing properties an enhancement of the detected signal in a 3x factor. •Performed Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations predict the size of the focalized regions in good agreement with the experimental measurements. -- Abstract: The upconversion emission properties of Er 3+ –Yb 3+ codoped glass and glass ceramic samples with different Si/Al ratios and thermal treatments were analyzed by covering their surfaces with silica microspheres (3.8 μm diameter). A 950 nm laser beam is focused by the microspheres producing a set of photonic nanojets near the surface of the samples. After the upconversion processes of the Er 3+ ions located in each microsphere focus area, these ions emit light in the green and red regions. The red emission from each sample was measured, yielding an upconversion intensity in the focal areas three times higher than the emission from the bare substrate. To estimate the real size of the red emission area under a single microsphere, a deconvolution of the measured focal spots with the Point Spread Function of the experimental setup was performed, resulting in a Full Width at Half Maximum of 330 nm. The results obtained by Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations are in good agreement with the experimental values

  11. Mn2+-ZnSe/ZnS@SiO2 Nanoparticles for Turn-on Luminescence Thiol Detection

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohammad S. Yazdanparast

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available Biological thiols are antioxidants essential for the prevention of disease. For example, low levels of the tripeptide glutathione are associated with heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Mn2+-doped wide bandgap semiconductor nanocrystals exhibit luminescence and magnetic properties that make them attractive for bimodal imaging. We found that these nanocrystals and silica-encapsulated nanoparticle derivatives exhibit enhanced luminescence in the presence of thiols in both organic solvent and aqueous solution. The key to using these nanocrystals as sensors is control over their surfaces. The addition of a ZnS barrier layer or shell produces more stable nanocrystals that are isolated from their surroundings, and luminescence enhancement is only observed with thinner, intermediate shells. Tunability is demonstrated with dodecanethiol and sensitivities decrease with thin, medium, and thick shells. Turn-on nanoprobe luminescence is also generated by several biological thiols, including glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, cysteine, and dithiothreitol. Nanoparticles prepared with different ZnS shell thicknesses demonstrated varying sensitivity to glutathione, which allows for the tuning of particle sensitivity without optimization. The small photoluminescence response to control amino acids and salts indicates selectivity for thiols. Preliminary magnetic measurements highlight the challenge of optimizing sensors for different imaging modalities. In this work, we assess the prospects of using these nanoparticles as luminescent turn-on thiol sensors and for MRI.

  12. Two-photon luminescence microscopy of field enhancement at gold nanoparticles

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Beermann, Jonas; Bozhevolnyi, Sergey I.

    2005-01-01

    Using a reflection scanning optical microscope detecting two-photon luminescence (TPL) we have imaged square gold bumps positioned in a periodic array either on a smooth gold film or directly on a glass substrate. The second-harmonic (SH) and TPL response from these structures show both...

  13. Performance of various quantum-key-distribution systems using 1.55-μm up-conversion single-photon detectors

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Diamanti, Eleni; Takesue, Hiroki; Honjo, Toshimori; Inoue, Kyo; Yamamoto, Yoshihisa

    2005-01-01

    We compare the performance of various quantum-key-distribution (QKD) systems using a single-photon detector, which combines frequency up-conversion in a periodically poled lithium niobate waveguide and a silicon avalanche photodiode (APD). The comparison is based on the secure communication rate as a function of distance for three QKD protocols: the Bennett-Brassard 1984, the Bennett-Brassard-Mermin 1992, and the coherent differential-phase-shift keying protocols. We show that the up-conversion detector allows for higher communication rates and longer communication distances than the commonly used InGaAs/InP APD for all three QKD protocols

  14. Characterization of Nanostructured Semiconductors by Ultrafast Luminescence Imaging

    Science.gov (United States)

    Blake, Jolie

    Single nanostructures are predicted to be the building blocks of next generation devices and have already been incorporated into prototypes for solar cells, biomedical devices and lasers. Their role in such applications requires a fundamental understanding of their opto-electronic properties and in particular the charge carrier dynamics occurring on an ultrafast timescale. Luminescence detection is a common approach used to investigate electronic properties of nanostructures because of the contact-less nature of these methods. They are, however, often not equipped to efficiently measure multiple single nanostructures nor do they have the temporal resolution necessary for observing femtosecond dynamics. This dissertation intends to address this paucity of techniques available for the contact-less measurement of single nanostructures through the development of an ultrafast wide-field Kerr-gated microscope system and measurement technique. The setup, operational in both the steady state and transient mode and capable of microscopic and spectroscopic measurements, was developed to measure the transient luminescence of single semiconductor nanostructures. With sub micron spatial resolution and the potential to achieve a temporal resolution greater than 90 fs, the system was used to probe the charge carrier dynamics at multiple discrete locations on single nanowires exhibiting amplified spontaneous emission. Using a rate model for amplified spontaneous emission, the transient emission data was fitted to extract the values of the competing Shockley-Read-Hall, non-geminate and Auger recombination constants. The capabilities of the setup were first demonstrated in the visible detection range, where single nanowires of the ternary alloy CdS x Se1-x were measured. The temporal emission dynamics at two separate locations were compared and calculation of the Langevin mobility revealed that the large carrier densities generated in the nanowire allows access to non

  15. Femtosecond fluorescence upconversion spectroscopy of vapor-deposited tris(8-hydroxyquinoline) aluminum films.

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Humbs, W.; Zhang, H.; Glasbeek, M.

    2000-01-01

    Abstract Vapor-deposited Alq3 is used as the green emitting layer in a class of organic light-emitting diodes. In this paper, the time dependence of the fluorescence from thin Alq3 films has been studied by means of the femtosecond fluorescence upconversion technique. From the temporally resolved

  16. Bright upconversion luminescence and increased Tc in CaBi{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 9}:Er high temperature piezoelectric ceramics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Peng Dengfeng [Functional Materials Research Laboratory, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092 (China); National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kyushu, 807-1 Shuku, Tosu, Saga 841-0052 (Japan); Wang Xusheng; Yao Xi [Functional Materials Research Laboratory, Tongji University, 1239 Siping Road, Shanghai 200092 (China); Xu Chaonan [National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Kyushu, 807-1 Shuku, Tosu, Saga 841-0052 (Japan); Lin Jian; Sun Tiantuo [College of Material Science and Engineering, Tongji University, 4800 Cao' an Highway, Shanghai 201804 (China)

    2012-05-15

    Er{sup 3+} doped CaBi{sub 2}Ta{sub 2}O{sub 9} (CBT) bismuth layered-structure high temperature piezoelectric ceramics were synthesized by the traditional solid state method. The upconversion (UC) emission properties of Er{sup 3+} doped CBT ceramics were investigated as a function of Er{sup 3+} concentration and incident pump power. A bright green upconverted emission was obtained under excitation 980 nm at room temperature. The observed strong green and weak red emission bands corresponded to the transitions from {sup 4}S{sub 3/2} and {sup 4}F{sub 9/2} to {sup 4}I{sub 15/2}, respectively. The dependence of UC emission intensity on pumping power indicated that a three-photon process was involved in UC emissions. Studies of dielectric with temperature have also been carried out. Introduction of Er increased the Curie temperature of CBT, thus, making this ceramic suitable for sensor applications at higher temperatures. Because of its strong up-converted emission and increased Tc, the multifunctional high temperature piezoelectric ceramic may be useful in high temperature sensor, fluorescence thermometry, and optical-electro integration applications.

  17. Luminescence properties of a nanoporous freshwater diatom.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Goswami, Bondita; Choudhury, Amarjyoti; Buragohain, Alak K

    2012-01-01

    Freshwater diatom frustules show special optical properties. In this paper we observed luminescence properties of the freshwater diatom Cyclotella meneghiniana. To confirm the morphological properties we present scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were carried out to visualize the structural properties of the frustules, confirming that silica present in diatom frustules crystallizes in an α-quartz structure. Study of the optical properties of the silica frustules of diatoms using ultra-violet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy confirmed that the diatom C. meneghiniana shows luminescence in the blue region of the electromagnetic spectrum when irradiated with UV light. This property of diatoms can be exploited to obtain many applications in day-to-day life. Also, using time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy (TRPL) it was confirmed that this species of diatom shows bi-exponential decay. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  18. Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    1151. Yb and Er co-doped Y2Ce2O7 nanoparticles: synthesis and spectroscopic properties ... Co-precipitation synthesis and upconversion luminescence properties of ZrO2:Yb-Ho · Jinsheng Liao Shaohua Liu Liling Nie Suijun Liu Junxiang Fu.

  19. Mid-infrared upconversion based hyperspectral imaging

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Junaid, Saher; Tomko, Jan; Semtsiv, Mykhaylo P.

    2018-01-01

    quantum cascade laser illumination. AgGaS2 is used as the nonlinear medium for sum frequency generation using a 1064 nm mixing laser. Angular scanning of the nonlinear crystal provides broad spectral coverage at every spatial position in the image. This study demonstrates the retrieval of series...

  20. Cone beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography: a feasibility study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Dongmei; Zhu, Shouping; Yi, Huangjian; Zhang, Xianghan; Chen, Duofang; Liang, Jimin; Tian, Jie

    2013-03-01

    The appearance of x-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT) opens new possibilities to perform molecular imaging by x ray. In the previous XLCT system, the sample was irradiated by a sequence of narrow x-ray beams and the x-ray luminescence was measured by a highly sensitive charge coupled device (CCD) camera. This resulted in a relatively long sampling time and relatively low utilization of the x-ray beam. In this paper, a novel cone beam x-ray luminescence computed tomography strategy is proposed, which can fully utilize the x-ray dose and shorten the scanning time. The imaging model and reconstruction method are described. The validity of the imaging strategy has been studied in this paper. In the cone beam XLCT system, the cone beam x ray was adopted to illuminate the sample and a highly sensitive CCD camera was utilized to acquire luminescent photons emitted from the sample. Photons scattering in biological tissues makes it an ill-posed problem to reconstruct the 3D distribution of the x-ray luminescent sample in the cone beam XLCT. In order to overcome this issue, the authors used the diffusion approximation model to describe the photon propagation in tissues, and employed the sparse regularization method for reconstruction. An incomplete variables truncated conjugate gradient method and permissible region strategy were used for reconstruction. Meanwhile, traditional x-ray CT imaging could also be performed in this system. The x-ray attenuation effect has been considered in their imaging model, which is helpful in improving the reconstruction accuracy. First, simulation experiments with cylinder phantoms were carried out to illustrate the validity of the proposed compensated method. The experimental results showed that the location error of the compensated algorithm was smaller than that of the uncompensated method. The permissible region strategy was applied and reduced the reconstruction error to less than 2 mm. The robustness and stability were then

  1. Plasmon-resonant nanorods as multimodal agents for two-photon luminescent imaging and photothermal therapy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Huff, Terry B.; Hansen, Matthew N.; Tong, Ling; Zhao, Yan; Wang, Haifeng; Zweifel, Daniel A.; Cheng, Ji-Xin; Wei, Alexander

    2007-02-01

    Plasmon-resonant gold nanorods have outstanding potential as multifunctional agents for image-guided therapies. Nanorods have large absorption cross sections at near-infrared (NIR) frequencies, and produce two-photon luminescence (TPL) when excited by fs-pulsed laser irradiation. The TPL signals can be detected with single-particle sensitivity, enabling nanorods to be imaged in vivo while passing through blood vessels at subpicomolar concentrations. Furthermore, cells labeled with nanorods become highly susceptible to photothermal damage when irradiated at plasmon resonance, often resulting in a dramatic blebbing of the cell membrane. However, the straightforward application of gold nanorods for cell-specific labeling is obstructed by the presence of CTAB, a cationic surfactant carried over from nanorod synthesis which also promotes their nonspecific uptake into cells. Careful exchange and replacement of CTAB can be achieved by introducing oligoethyleneglycol (OEG) units capable of chemisorption onto nanorod surfaces by in situ dithiocarbamate formation, a novel method of surface functionalization. Nanorods with a dense coating of methyl-terminated OEG chains are shielded from nonspecific cell uptake, whereas nanorods functionalized with folate-terminated OEG chains accumulate on the surface of tumor cells overexpressing their cognate receptor, with subsequent delivery of photoinduced cell damage at low laser fluence.

  2. Advantages and disadvantages of luminescence dosimetry

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Olko, Pawel, E-mail: Pawel.Olko@ifj.edu.p [Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Science (IFJ PAN), Krakow (Poland)

    2010-03-15

    Owing to their excellent dosimetric properties, luminescence detectors of ionizing radiation are now extensively applied in individual dosimetry services. The most frequently used personal dosemeters are based on Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL), radiophotoluminescence (RPL) or thermoluminescence (TL). Luminescence detectors have also found several applications in clinical dosimetry, especially around new radiation modalities in radiotherapy, such as Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) or ion beam radiotherapy. Requirements of luminescence detectors applied in individual and clinical dosimetry and some recent developments in luminescence of detectors and techniques leading to significant improvements of the functionality and accuracy of dosimetry systems are reviewed and discussed.

  3. Cone Beam X-ray Luminescence Computed Tomography Based on Bayesian Method.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhang, Guanglei; Liu, Fei; Liu, Jie; Luo, Jianwen; Xie, Yaoqin; Bai, Jing; Xing, Lei

    2017-01-01

    X-ray luminescence computed tomography (XLCT), which aims to achieve molecular and functional imaging by X-rays, has recently been proposed as a new imaging modality. Combining the principles of X-ray excitation of luminescence-based probes and optical signal detection, XLCT naturally fuses functional and anatomical images and provides complementary information for a wide range of applications in biomedical research. In order to improve the data acquisition efficiency of previously developed narrow-beam XLCT, a cone beam XLCT (CB-XLCT) mode is adopted here to take advantage of the useful geometric features of cone beam excitation. Practically, a major hurdle in using cone beam X-ray for XLCT is that the inverse problem here is seriously ill-conditioned, hindering us to achieve good image quality. In this paper, we propose a novel Bayesian method to tackle the bottleneck in CB-XLCT reconstruction. The method utilizes a local regularization strategy based on Gaussian Markov random field to mitigate the ill-conditioness of CB-XLCT. An alternating optimization scheme is then used to automatically calculate all the unknown hyperparameters while an iterative coordinate descent algorithm is adopted to reconstruct the image with a voxel-based closed-form solution. Results of numerical simulations and mouse experiments show that the self-adaptive Bayesian method significantly improves the CB-XLCT image quality as compared with conventional methods.

  4. Visible-to-visible four-photon ultrahigh resolution microscopic imaging with 730-nm diode laser excited nanocrystals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Baoju; Zhan, Qiuqiang; Zhao, Yuxiang; Wu, Ruitao; Liu, Jing; He, Sailing

    2016-01-25

    Further development of multiphoton microscopic imaging is confronted with a number of limitations, including high-cost, high complexity and relatively low spatial resolution due to the long excitation wavelength. To overcome these problems, for the first time, we propose visible-to-visible four-photon ultrahigh resolution microscopic imaging by using a common cost-effective 730-nm laser diode to excite the prepared Nd(3+)-sensitized upconversion nanoparticles (Nd(3+)-UCNPs). An ordinary multiphoton scanning microscope system was built using a visible CW diode laser and the lateral imaging resolution as high as 161-nm was achieved via the four-photon upconversion process. The demonstrated large saturation excitation power for Nd(3+)-UCNPs would be more practical and facilitate the four-photon imaging in the application. A sample with fine structure was imaged to demonstrate the advantages of visible-to-visible four-photon ultrahigh resolution microscopic imaging with 730-nm diode laser excited nanocrystals. Combining the uniqueness of UCNPs, the proposed visible-to-visible four-photon imaging would be highly promising and attractive in the field of multiphoton imaging.

  5. NaYF4:Er,Yb/Bi2MoO6 core/shell nanocomposite: A highly efficient visible-light-driven photocatalyst utilizing upconversion

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun, Yuanyuan; Wang, Wenzhong; Sun, Songmei; Zhang, Ling

    2014-01-01

    Highlights: • Design and synthesis of NaYF 4 :Er,Yb/Bi 2 MoO 6 based on upconversion. • NaYF 4 :Er,Yb/Bi 2 MoO 6 nanocomposite was prepared for the first time. • Core–shell structure benefits the properties. • Upconversion contributed to the enhanced photocatalytic activity. • Helps to understand the functionality of new type photocatalysts. - Abstract: NaYF 4 :Er,Yb/Bi 2 MoO 6 core/shell nanocomposite was designed and prepared for the first time based on upconversion. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS). The results revealed that the as-synthesized NaYF 4 :Er,Yb/Bi 2 MoO 6 consisted of spheres with a core diameter of about 26 nm and a shell diameter of around 6 nm. The core was upconversion illuminant NaYF 4 :Er,Yb and the shell was Bi 2 MoO 6 around the core, which was confirmed by EDS. The NaYF 4 :Er,Yb/Bi 2 MoO 6 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity for the photodecomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) under the irradiation of Xe lamp and green light emitting diode (g-LED). The mechanism of the high photocatalytic activity was discussed by photoluminescence spectra (PL), which is mainly attributed to upconversion of NaYF 4 :Er,Yb in the NaYF 4 :Er,Yb/Bi 2 MoO 6 nanocomposite and the core–shell structure

  6. Green and red luminescence in co-precipitation synthesized Pr:LuAG nanophosphor

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kumar, S. Arun; Kumar, K. Ashok; Gunaseelan, M.; Senthilselvan, J., E-mail: jsselvan@hotmail.com [Department of Nuclear Physics, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai–600 025, Tamil Nadu (India); Asokan, K. [Materials Science Group, Inter University Accelerator Centre, New Delhi-110067 (India)

    2016-05-06

    Pr:LuAG nanophosphor is an effective candidate in magnetic resonance imaging coupled positron emission tomography (MRI-PET) for medical imaging and scintillator applications. LuAG:Pr (0.05, 0.15 mol%) nanoscale ceramic powders were synthesized by co-precipitation method using urea as precipitant. Effect of antisite defect on structure and luminescence behavior was investigated. Pr:LuAG nanoceramic powders are found crystallized in cubic structure by high temperature calcination at 1400 °C and it shows antisite defect. HR-SEM analysis revealed spherically shaped Pr:LuAG nanoceramic particulate powders with ∼100 nm size. By the excitation at 450 nm, Pr:LuAG nanophosphor exhibit green to red luminescence in the wavelength range of 520 to 680 nm, which is originated from multiplet transition of Pr{sup 3+} ions.

  7. Enhanced broadband upconversion emission and 23 dB optical gain at 780 nm in Tm3+/Nd3+ codoped optical fiber

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fan, Weiwei; Chen, Shuyue; Htein, Lin; Han, Won-Taek

    2015-01-01

    Maximum gain of 23 dB at 780 nm and a broadband optical gain with full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 88 nm (761–849 nm) were obtained from the Tm 3+ /Nd 3+ codoped fiber upon pumping at 1550 nm. The enhancement of the upconversion emission stretching from 730 to 970 nm was observed in the Tm 3+ /Nd 3+ codoped fiber due to the energy transfer from Tm 3+ to Nd 3+ ions. - Highlights: • We fabricated the Tm 3+ /Nd 3+ codoped silica based fiber. • The broadband upconversion emission was observed with 1550 nm pumping. • Maximum gain of 23 dB was observed at 780 nm from the Tm 3+ /Nd 3+ codoped fiber. • The gain bandwidth of the upconversion emission was largely increased due to energy transfer process

  8. Visible Discrimination of Broadband Infrared Light by Dye-Enhanced Upconversion in Lanthanide-Doped Nanocrystals

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Charles G. Dupuy

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Optical upconversion of near infrared light to visible light is an attractive way to capture the optical energy or optical information contained in low-energy photons that is otherwise lost to the human eye or to certain photodetectors and solar cells. Until the recent application of broadband absorbing optical antennas, upconversion efficiency in lanthanide-doped nanocrystals was limited by the weak, narrow atomic absorption of a handful of sensitizer elements. In this work, we extend the role of the optical antenna to provide false-color, visible discrimination between bands of infrared radiation. By pairing different optical antenna dyes to specific nanoparticle compositions, unique visible emission is associated with different bands of infrared excitation. In one material set, the peak emission was increased 10-fold, and the width of the spectral response was increased more than 10-fold.

  9. Understanding the influence of nanoenvironment on luminescence ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    An enormous interest in rare-earth doped nanostructured materials for photonic ... the design-phase, further fundamental research in the field of upconversion spec- troscopy remains a ... changing the host lattice and dopant concentration. .... Generally, the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) method involves measurements of.

  10. Precise Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer via Subcellular Dynamic Tracing of Dual-loaded Upconversion Nanophotosensitizers

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Chang, Y.; Li, X.; Zhang, L.; Xia, L.; Liu, Xiaomin; Li, C.; Zhang, Y.; Tu, L.; Xue, B.; Zhao, H.; Zhang, H.; Kong, X.

    2017-01-01

    Recent advances in upconversion nanophotosensitizers (UCNPs-PS) excited by near-infrared (NIR) light have led to substantial progress in improving photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. For a successful PDT, subcellular organelles are promising therapeutic targets for reaching a satisfactory

  11. Seismic Moment and Recurrence using Luminescence Dating Techniques: Characterizing brittle fault zone materials suitable for luminescence dating

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tsakalos, E.; Lin, A.; Bassiakos, Y.; Kazantzaki, M.; Filippaki, E.

    2017-12-01

    During a seismic-geodynamic process, frictional heating and pressure are generated on sediments fragments resulting in deformation and alteration of minerals contained in them. The luminescence signal enclosed in minerals crystal lattice can be affected and even zeroed during such an event. This has been breakthrough in geochronological studies as it could be utilized as a chronometer for the previous seismic activity of a tectonically active area. Although the employment of luminescence dating has in some cases been successfully described, a comprehensive study outlining and defining protocols for routine luminescence dating applied to neotectonic studies has not been forthcoming. This study is the experimental investigation, recording and parameterization of the effects of tectonic phenomena on minerals luminescence signal and the development of detailed protocols for the standardization of the luminescence methodology for directly dating deformed geological formations, so that the long-term temporal behaviour of seismically active faults could be reasonably understood and modeled. This will be achieved by: a) identifying and proposing brittle fault zone materials suitable for luminescence dating using petrological, mineralogical and chemical analyses and b) investigating the "zeroing" potential of the luminescence signal of minerals contained in fault zone materials by employing experimental simulations of tectonic processes in the laboratory, combined with luminescence measurements on samples collected from real fault zones. For this to be achieved, a number of samples collected from four faults of four different geographical regions will be used. This preliminary-first step of the study presents the microstructural, and mineralogical analyses for the characterization of brittle fault zone materials that contain suitable minerals for luminescence dating (e.g., quartz and feldspar). The results showed that the collected samples are seismically deformed fault

  12. Near-field thermal upconversion and energy transfer through a Kerr medium.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Khandekar, Chinmay; Rodriguez, Alejandro W

    2017-09-18

    We present an approach for achieving large Kerr χ (3) -mediated thermal energy transfer at the nanoscale that exploits a general coupled-mode description of triply resonant, four-wave mixing processes. We analyze the efficiency of thermal upconversion and energy transfer from mid- to near-infrared wavelengths in planar geometries involving two slabs supporting far-apart surface plasmon polaritons and separated by a nonlinear χ (3) medium that is irradiated by externally incident light. We study multiple geometric and material configurations and different classes of intervening mediums-either bulk or nanostructured lattices of nanoparticles embedded in nonlinear materials-designed to resonantly enhance the interaction of the incident light with thermal slab resonances. We find that even when the entire system is in thermodynamic equilibrium (at room temperature) and under typical drive intensities ~ W/μm 2 , the resulting upconversion rates can approach and even exceed thermal flux rates achieved in typical symmetric and non-equilibrium configurations of vacuum-separated slabs. The proposed nonlinear scheme could potentially be exploited to achieve thermal cooling and refrigeration at the nanoscale, and to actively control heat transfer between materials with dramatically different resonant responses.

  13. Hydrothermal synthesis of highly luminescent blue-emitting ZnSe(S) quantum dots exhibiting low toxicity

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Mirnajafizadeh, Fatemeh; Ramsey, Deborah; McAlpine, Shelli [School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 (Australia); Wang, Fan; Reece, Peter [School of Physics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 (Australia); Stride, John Arron, E-mail: j.stride@unsw.edu.au [School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052 (Australia); Bragg Institute, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, PMB 1, Menai, NSW 2234 (Australia)

    2016-07-01

    Highly luminescent quantum dots (QDs) that emit in the visible spectrum are of interest to a number of imaging technologies, not least that of biological samples. One issue that hinders the application of luminescent markers in biology is the potential toxicity of the fluorophore. Here we show that hydrothermally synthesized ZnSe(S) QDs have low cytotoxicity to both human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT-116) and human skin fibroblast cells (WS1). The QDs exhibited a high degree of crystallinity, with a strong blue photoluminescence at up to 29% quantum yield relative to 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) without post-synthetic UV-irradiation. Confocal microscopy images obtained of HCT-116 cells after incubation with the QDs highlighted the stability of the particles in cell media. Cytotoxicity studies showed that both HCT-116 and WS1 cells retain 100% viability after treatment with the QDs at concentrations up to 0.5 g/L, which makes them of potential use in biological imaging applications. - Highlights: • Highly luminescent ZnSe(S) QDs were synthesized using a simple, one-step hydrothermal method. • The as-synthesized QDs were found to be nontoxic in the presence of biological cells. • The QDs were stable in biological media with identical emission profile to that in water.

  14. Nanostructured rare earth doped Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}: Structural, optical properties and their correlation with photonic applications

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pereira, Rafael Ramiro; Aquino, Felipe Thomaz [Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-901 (Brazil); Ferrier, Alban [PSL Research University, Chimie ParisTech-CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 75005 Paris (France); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, 75005 Paris (France); Goldner, Philippe [PSL Research University, Chimie ParisTech-CNRS, Institut de Recherche de Chimie Paris, 75005 Paris (France); Gonçalves, Rogéria R., E-mail: rrgoncalves@ffclrp.usp.br [Departamento de Química, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, Ribeirão Preto, SP CEP 14040-901 (Brazil)

    2016-02-15

    In the present work, we report on a systematic study on structural and spectroscopic properties Eu{sup 3+} and Er{sup 3+}-doped Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} prepared by sol–gel method. The Eu{sup 3+} ions were used as structural probe to determine the symmetry sites occupied by lanthanide ions. The Eu{sup 3+}-doped Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} nanocrystalline powders were annealed at different temperatures to verify how the different Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} crystalline phases affect the structure and the luminescence properties. Er{sup 3+}-doped Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} was prepared showing an intense NIR luminescence, and, visible luminescence on the green and red, deriving from upconversion process. The synthetized materials can find widespread applicability in photonics as red luminophor for white LED (with tricolor), optical amplifiers and upconverter materials. - Highlights: • Vis and NIR emission from nanostructured lanthanide doped Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}. • Eu{sup 3+}-doped Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5} as Red luminophor. • Multicolor tunability of intense upconversion emission from lanthanide doped Nb{sub 2}O{sub 5}. • Potential application as biological markers. • Broad band NIR emission.

  15. Metal plasmon enhanced europium complex luminescence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Liu Feng; Aldea, Gabriela; Nunzi, Jean-Michel

    2010-01-01

    The plasmon enhanced luminescence of a rare-earth complex Tris(6, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8-heptafluoro-2, 2-dimethyl-3, 5-octanedionato) europium (Eu(fod) 3 ) was investigated. A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) thin film was successfully adopted as a spacer to separate the Eu complex from the silver island film (SIF), and five-fold enhancement of the radiative decay rate of the Eu complex on SIF was demonstrated based on the luminescence intensity and lifetime measurement. Investigation of the distance dependent luminescence indicates that 7 nm is an optimal distance for SIF enhanced Eu luminescence. Plasmon enhanced rare-earth luminescence based on an organic film spacer would find potential applications in plasmon enhanced organic light emitting diode (OLED) devices.

  16. Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion luminescence ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    2017-10-31

    Oct 31, 2017 ... properties such as blue emission around 480 nm and NIR emission near 800 nm [10 ... the low phonon energies of the fluoride compounds [13,14]. However, they are .... scanning electron microscope (SEM). The UC lumines-.

  17. Microwave hydrothermal synthesis and upconversion luminescence ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    1

    mechanism of Yb3+/Tm3+ co-doped NYM depending on pump power was studied ... solid-state lasers, scintillators, communication fibers, optical storage, solar cells, and ..... This work was financially supported by the National Natural Science ...

  18. Study of the focusing effect of silica microspheres on the upconversion of Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} codoped glass ceramics

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Pérez-Rodríguez, C., E-mail: cjperez@ull.edu.es [Dpto. Física Fundamental y Experimental, Electrónica y Sistemas, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n E-38206 La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain); Imanieh, M.H. [Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH (United States); Department of Materials, Ceramic Division, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Martín, L.L [Dpto. Física Fundamental y Experimental, Electrónica y Sistemas, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n E-38206 La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain); Ríos, S. [Dpto. de Física Básica, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n E-38206 La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain); Martín, I.R. [Dpto. Física Fundamental y Experimental, Electrónica y Sistemas, Universidad de La Laguna, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n E-38206 La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain); MALTA Consolider Team, Av. Astrofísico Francisco Sánchez, s/n E-38206 La Laguna, Tenerife (Spain); Yekta, Bijan Eftekhari [Department of Materials, Ceramic Division, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

    2013-11-05

    Highlights: •Silica microspheres have been located on the surface of glass and glass ceramics samples codoped with Er and Yb. •Microspheres act as microlens of the 950 nm excitation light resulting in focalized excited regions in the samples with sizes under the micron. •Intense red upconversion is achieved in the focalized areas. •Microspheres collect the upconversion emission light, scoping with the together microlensing properties an enhancement of the detected signal in a 3x factor. •Performed Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations predict the size of the focalized regions in good agreement with the experimental measurements. -- Abstract: The upconversion emission properties of Er{sup 3+}–Yb{sup 3+} codoped glass and glass ceramic samples with different Si/Al ratios and thermal treatments were analyzed by covering their surfaces with silica microspheres (3.8 μm diameter). A 950 nm laser beam is focused by the microspheres producing a set of photonic nanojets near the surface of the samples. After the upconversion processes of the Er{sup 3+} ions located in each microsphere focus area, these ions emit light in the green and red regions. The red emission from each sample was measured, yielding an upconversion intensity in the focal areas three times higher than the emission from the bare substrate. To estimate the real size of the red emission area under a single microsphere, a deconvolution of the measured focal spots with the Point Spread Function of the experimental setup was performed, resulting in a Full Width at Half Maximum of 330 nm. The results obtained by Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations are in good agreement with the experimental values.

  19. Ceramic luminescent radiographic materials for medicine and tool construction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Winnacker, A.

    1991-01-01

    X-ray recording luminescent materials form the basis of a new concept for X ray imaging. Essential advantages as compared to the conventional film systems are the digitalisation of the X ray as well as the high dynamics of registration. Modern methods of image processing and video recording can be applied. Advantages also show where a very extensive video material must be filed. Compared to the films used up to now, one expects higher sensitivity, higher homogeneity and higher spatial resolution of pictures taken with ceramic films. (BaFBr:Eu, RbJ:Tl). (orig.) [de

  20. Effect of Er3+ Concentration on Upconversion in Hexagonal-Phase NaYF4:Er3+ Nanocrystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Luo, X J; Yuminami, R; Sakurai, T; Akimoto, K

    2013-01-01

    A facile synthesis method was developed to produce hexagonal-phase of NaYF 4 nanocrystals (NCs) doped with Er 3+ in different concentration, which showed upconversion (UC) emission from infrared to visible spectral region. This proposed method is simple and less toxic compared with generally used method so far. It was found that up-conversion emission spectra of NaYF 4 :Er 3+ NCs, excited at 1550 nm, included four peaks at about 980 nm, 800 nm, 660 nm and 540 nm. The effect of Er 3+ concentration on UC in β-phase NaYF 4 :Er 3+ NCs were discussed based on the excitation power dependence. The optimum Er 3+ concentration for 2-step and 3-step UC was found to be around 10∼30%.

  1. Up-conversion and near infrared luminescence in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped glass-ceramic containing MgGa2O4 nano-crystals

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sun, Jiaju; Yu, Lixin; Li, Fuhai; Wei, Shuilin; Li, Songchu

    2016-01-01

    The MgO–Ga 2 O 3 –SiO 2 (MG-S) glasses and nanocrystalline glass-ceramics (GCs) containing MgGa 2 O 4 nanocrystals codoped with Er 3+ and Yb 3+ were prepared by a simple sol–gel method. The formation of MgGa 2 O 4 nanocrystals in the GCs was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD). Their morphology was investigated applying high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Stark splitting of near infrared (NIR) and up-conversion (UC) emission implies that the Er 3+ is incorporated into MgGa 2 O 4 nanocrystals. The effect of the MgO, Ga 2 O 3 content and sintering temperature on the structure of the prepared samples was systematically studied. Under 980 nm excitation, intense UC and NIR emission (1530 nm) were observed in the MG-S GCs by efficient energy transfer from Yb 3+ to Er 3+ . The two-photon process was confirmed to be responsible for both the green and red UC emissions. - Highlights: • It is interesting that the CIE chromaticity coordinates of the several prepared CaMO 4 :Eu samples by a hydrothermal method are very close to the standard of white light.

  2. Energy Pooling Upconversion in Free Space and Optical Cavities

    Science.gov (United States)

    LaCount, Michael D.

    The ability to efficiently convert the wavelength of light has value in a wide range of disciplines that include the fields of photovoltaics, plant growth, optics and medicine. The processes by which such transformations are carried out are known as upconversions and downconversions. There are several ways to up/down convert light, each with its own attributes, issues, and competing mechanisms. Most are associated with one-body or two-body processes. Three-body dynamics are also possible though, going by the names of quantum cutting (downconversion) and energy pooling (upconversion). These use virtual excited electronic states to mediate conversions as has been experimentally realized using lanthanide ions embedded in wide bandgap materials. The use of lanthanides to convert light is not ideal due to their relative scarcity, toxicity, and the limited range of light frequencies that can be absorbed and emitted. Organic molecules, on the other hand, are typically non-toxic, are made up of abundant elements, and can be designed with tailored spectral properties. At issue is whether or not they can be used to carry out efficient energy pooling, the central question to be answered in this thesis. The research presented here draws on a perturbative quantum electrodynamics framework previously established for generic energy pooling. It was used to develop a computational methodology for determining the rate of energy pooling and its competing processes. This, in turn, draws on a combination of time-dependent density functional theory, quantum electrodynamics, and perturbation theory to generate the requisite material property data. This computational model was applied to two test systems consisting of stilbene-fluorescein and hexabenzocoronene-oligothiophene. The stilbene-fluorescein system was found to have a maximum energy pooling rate efficiency (as compared to competing processes) of 17% and the hexabenzocoronene-oligothiophene system was found to have a maximum

  3. Polymeric Luminescent Compositions Doped with Beta-Diketonates Boron Difluoride as Material for Luminescent Solar Concentrator

    Science.gov (United States)

    Khrebtov, A. A.; Fedorenko, E. V.; Reutov, V. A.

    2017-11-01

    In this paper we investigated polymeric luminescent compositions based on polystyrene doped with beta diketonates boron difluoride. Transparent films with effective absorption in the ultraviolet and blue regions of the spectrum were obtained. Polymeric luminescent compositions based on the mixture of dyes allow expanding the absorption region and increase the radiation shift. A luminescent solar concentrator consisting of a glass plate coated with such film can be used for photovoltaic window application.

  4. Persistent luminescence nanothermometers

    Science.gov (United States)

    Martín Rodríguez, Emma; López-Peña, Gabriel; Montes, Eduardo; Lifante, Ginés; García Solé, José; Jaque, Daniel; Diaz-Torres, Luis Armando; Salas, Pedro

    2017-08-01

    Persistent phosphorescence nanoparticles emitting in the red and near-infrared spectral regions are strongly demanded as contrast nanoprobes for autofluorescence free bioimaging and biosensing. In this work, we have developed Sr4Al14O25:Eu2+, Cr3+, Nd3+ nanopowders that produce persistent red phosphorescence peaking at 694 nm generated by Cr3+ ions. This emission displays temperature sensitivity in the physiological temperature range (20-60 °C), which makes these nanoparticles potentially useful as fluorescence (contactless) nanothermometers operating without requiring optical excitation. Nd3+ ions, which act as shallow electron traps for the red Cr3+ persistent emission, also display infrared emission bands, extending the fluorescence imaging capability to the second biological window. This unique combination of properties makes these nanoparticles multifunctional luminescent probes with great potential applications in nanomedicine.

  5. Upconversion emission study of Er3+/Yb3+ doped barium titanate phosphor prepared by co-precipitation method

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Mahata, M.K.; Dey, R.; Kumar, K.; Rai, V.K.; Rai, S.B.

    2012-01-01

    In the present work we have successfully synthesized the Er 3+ , Yb 3+ doped barium titanate phosphor via co-precipitation synthesis method. Under 980 nm excitation, tri-color upconversion fluorescence has been observed. The Fourier Transform Infrared measurement was done to check the presence of organic impurities. In order to find out how many photons are involved in each emission band, the variation of UC emission intensity of the codoped phosphor is studied with increase in excitation power. Upconversion emission spectra show that as the annealing temperature of the powder is increased, intensity of red emission decreases and intensity of green emission increases due to the decrease in maximum phonon frequency of the host material. (author)

  6. Synthesis of Multicolor Core/Shell NaLuF4:Yb3+/Ln3+@CaF2 Upconversion Nanocrystals

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hui Li

    2017-02-01

    Full Text Available The ability to synthesize high-quality hierarchical core/shell nanocrystals from an efficient host lattice is important to realize efficacious photon upconversion for applications ranging from bioimaging to solar cells. Here, we describe a strategy to fabricate multicolor core @ shell α-NaLuF4:Yb3+/Ln3+@CaF2 (Ln = Er, Ho, Tm upconversion nanocrystals (UCNCs based on the newly established host lattice of sodium lutetium fluoride (NaLuF4. We exploited the liquid-solid-solution method to synthesize the NaLuF4 core of pure cubic phase and the thermal decomposition approach to expitaxially grow the calcium fluoride (CaF2 shell onto the core UCNCs, yielding cubic core/shell nanocrystals with a size of 15.6 ± 1.2 nm (the core ~9 ± 0.9 nm, the shell ~3.3 ± 0.3 nm. We showed that those core/shell UCNCs could emit activator-defined multicolor emissions up to about 772 times more efficient than the core nanocrystals due to effective suppression of surface-related quenching effects. Our results provide a new paradigm on heterogeneous core/shell structure for enhanced multicolor upconversion photoluminescence from colloidal nanocrystals.

  7. Luminescence sensitivity changes in quartz

    CERN Document Server

    Wintle, A G

    1999-01-01

    In the luminescence dating of sedimentary or heated quartz, some heat treatment is usually applied to the sample immediately prior to the measurement of the optically stimulated luminescence. In this paper we report experiments on a 30,000-year-old sedimentary quartz, in which we use the luminescence response to a test dose to monitor the changes in sensitivity that are caused by holding the quartz at temperatures from 160 to 280 deg. C for times from 10 s to 22 h. For an optically bleached sample, the monitoring is by both optically stimulated luminescence and the 110 deg. C TL peak; both luminescence signals are shown to have the same sensitisation (i.e. activation energy) characteristics. For natural or laboratory irradiated samples only the 110 deg. C TL peak can be used; sensitivity increases of up to a factor of 1.3 and 3 are observed for the natural and laboratory irradiated aliquots, respectively. Up to four exponential components are used to deconvolve the sensitivity change data; the dominant compon...

  8. Spectral variations and energy transfer processes on both Er 3+ ion concentration and excitation densities in Yb 3+-Er 3+ codoped LaF3 materials

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhang Jisen; Qin Weiping; Zhao Dan; Degejihu; Zhang Jishuang; Wang Yan; Cao Chunyan

    2007-01-01

    In comparison with the up-conversion spectra of Yb 3+ -Er 3+ codopded systems reported previously, the interesting intensity changes of up-conversion luminescence between the violet, the blue, the green and the red on the both Er 3+ ion concentration and excitation density with 978 nm laser diodes as an excitation source were observed in Yb 3+ -Er 3+ codopded LaF 3 powders. In order to clarify the change mechanisms, the up-conversion spectra of LaF 3 : 10 mol% Yb 3+ , 0.5 mol% Er 3+ and LaF 3 : 10 mol% Yb 3+ , 1 mol% Er 3+ were investigated and the results indicated that the cross-relaxation processes between Er 3+ ions and the thermal population of the 2 H 11/2 level play significant roles

  9. Additives and solvents-induced phase and morphology modification of NaYF_4 for improving up-conversion emission

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Zhuang, Jianle; Yang, Xianfeng; Wang, Jing; Lei, Bingfu; Liu, Yingliang; Wu, Mingmei

    2016-01-01

    Both cubic and hexagonal NaYF_4 were synthesized in different reaction systems via hydro/solvo-thermal route. The effects of reaction temperature, solvents, and additives on the synthesis of NaYF_4 have been studied in detail. It has been shown that phase transformation from cubic NaYF_4 to hexagonal NaYF_4 always occurred. The sequence of the ability for inducing the phase transformation was ethanol>H_2O>acetic acid. It is found that ethanol can not only facilitate the formation of hexagonal NaYF_4 but also control the growth of the crystal. This is quite unusual for the growth of H-NaYF_4. The up-conversion emission properties of Yb/Er co-doped NaYF_4 have also been investigated and the results demonstrated some general principles for improving up-conversion emission. - Graphical abstract: Additives and solvents can induce the phase transformation of NaYF_4, typically the use of organic sodium salt and ethanol. - Highlights: • The effect of additives and solvents on the synthesis of NaYF_4 was studied in detail. • Ethanol can facilitate the formation of H-NaYF_4 while acetic acid restrain it. • Three general principles for improving up-conversion emission were summarized.

  10. Plasmon-enhanced optically stimulated luminescence

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Guidelli, E. J.; Baffa, O.; Ramos, A. P.

    2015-10-01

    Full text: Optically Stimulated Luminescence dosimeters (OSLD) have been largely used for personal, medical, and industrial radiation dosimetry. Developing highly sensitive and small-sized radiation detectors and dosimeters is essential for improving spatial resolution and consequently diagnosis quality and treatment efficacy in the case of applications in radiodiagnosis and radiation therapy, for instance. Conventional methods to improve the OSLD sensitivity consist of doping and co-doping the host materials with atoms of other elements, thereby increasing the amount of trapping and/or luminescent centers. Our group is researching on the use of the plasmon properties of noble metal nanoparticles to increase OSL intensity. Upon incidence of a light beam with appropriate resonant wavelengths, the oscillation of the free electrons at the nanoparticle surface originates the Localized Surface Plasmons (LSP) and the consequent plasmon resonance band. The interaction between the LSP and the surrounding luminescent material leads to new optical properties largely employed for enhancing several luminescent processes. Here we will show our results regarding the use of LSP to increase OSLD sensitivity. The interaction between the traps/luminescent centers and the plasmons depends on the distance between them, on the plasmon resonance band intensity and position, as well as on the surrounding medium. Therefore, the plasmon-enhanced luminescence is a promising tool to develop more sensitive and miniaturized OSLD. (Author)

  11. Plasmon-enhanced optically stimulated luminescence

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Guidelli, E. J.; Baffa, O. [Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciencias e Letras de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Fisica, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo (Brazil); Ramos, A. P., E-mail: ederguidelli@gmail.com [Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciencias e Letras de Ribeirao Preto, Departamento de Quimica, Av. Bandeirantes 3900, 14040-901 Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo (Brazil)

    2015-10-15

    Full text: Optically Stimulated Luminescence dosimeters (OSLD) have been largely used for personal, medical, and industrial radiation dosimetry. Developing highly sensitive and small-sized radiation detectors and dosimeters is essential for improving spatial resolution and consequently diagnosis quality and treatment efficacy in the case of applications in radiodiagnosis and radiation therapy, for instance. Conventional methods to improve the OSLD sensitivity consist of doping and co-doping the host materials with atoms of other elements, thereby increasing the amount of trapping and/or luminescent centers. Our group is researching on the use of the plasmon properties of noble metal nanoparticles to increase OSL intensity. Upon incidence of a light beam with appropriate resonant wavelengths, the oscillation of the free electrons at the nanoparticle surface originates the Localized Surface Plasmons (LSP) and the consequent plasmon resonance band. The interaction between the LSP and the surrounding luminescent material leads to new optical properties largely employed for enhancing several luminescent processes. Here we will show our results regarding the use of LSP to increase OSLD sensitivity. The interaction between the traps/luminescent centers and the plasmons depends on the distance between them, on the plasmon resonance band intensity and position, as well as on the surrounding medium. Therefore, the plasmon-enhanced luminescence is a promising tool to develop more sensitive and miniaturized OSLD. (Author)

  12. Crystalline Chromium Doped Aluminum Oxide (RUBY) Use as a Luminescent Screen for Proton Beams

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Brown, K. A.; Gassner, D. M.

    1999-01-01

    In the search for a better luminescent screen material, the authors tested pieces of mono-crystalline chromium doped aluminum oxide (more commonly known as a ruby) using a 24 GeV proton beam. Due to the large variations in beam intensity and species which are run at the Alternating Gradient Synchrotron (AGS), they hope to find a material which can sufficiently luminesce, is compatible in vacuum, and maintain its performance level over extended use. Results from frame grabbed video camera images using a variety of neutral density filters are presented

  13. High-resolution mid-IR spectrometer based on frequency upconversion

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Hu, Qi; Dam, Jeppe Seidelin; Pedersen, Christian

    2012-01-01

    We demonstrate a novel approach for high-resolution spectroscopy based on frequency upconversion and postfiltering by means of a scanning Fabryx2013;Perot interferometer. The system is based on sum-frequency mixing, shifting the spectral content from the mid-infrared to the near-visible region al......-frequency 1064xA0;nm laser. We investigate water vapor emission lines from a butane burner and compare the measured results to model data. The presented method we suggest to be used for real-time monitoring of specific gas lines and reference signals....

  14. RGDS- and TAT-conjugated upconversion of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+&SiO2 nanoparticles: in vitro human epithelioid cervix carcinoma cellular uptake, imaging, and targeting

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Kostiv, Uliana; Kotelnikov, Ilya; Proks, Vladimír; Šlouf, Miroslav; Kučka, Jan; Engstová, Hana; Ježek, Petr; Horák, Daniel

    2016-01-01

    Roč. 8, č. 31 (2016), s. 20422-20431 ISSN 1944-8244 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GA15-01897S; GA ČR(CZ) GA16-02702S Institutional support: RVO:61389013 ; RVO:67985823 Keywords : upconversion, nanoparticles * RGDS peptide * TAT peptide Subject RIV: CD - Macromolecular Chemistry; BO - Biophysics (FGU-C) Impact factor: 7.504, year: 2016

  15. Tuning the luminescence of ZnO:Eu nanoparticles for applications in biology and medicine

    Science.gov (United States)

    Kaszewski, Jarosław; Kiełbik, Paula; Wolska, Ewelina; Witkowski, Bartłomiej; Wachnicki, Łukasz; Gajewski, Zdzisław; Godlewski, Marek; Godlewski, Michał M.

    2018-06-01

    Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized with microwave hydrothermal technique and tested as luminescent contrast for biological imaging. Luminescence was activated by Eu3+ ions embedded in the nanoparticle matrix in the increasing concentrations of 1, 5 and 10 %mol. It was found that europium did not create a separate crystalline phase up to the concentration as high as 5 %mol. However, Eu3+ ions did not substitute Zn2+ in the host lattice, but allocated in the low symmetry environment. It was proposed that europium was locating in the inter-grain space or on the surface of nanoparticles. The luminescence intensity in ZnO:Eu, as well as the size of particles, increased with the Eu ion concentration. Moreover, in 10 %mol Eu sample, the separate phase of Eu-hydroxide was identified with crystals of micrometre length. Interestingly, in vivo study revealed, that contrary to the in silico experiments, following gastric gavage, the brightest nanoparticle-related luminescence signal was observed at 1 %mol. concentration of Eu. Since the alimentary uptake of nanoparticles was related to their size, we concluded that the increase in luminescence at 5 and 10 %mol. Eu concentrations was associated with the largest ZnO:Eu and Eu-hydroxide particles that did not cross the gastrointestinal barrier.

  16. Utilization of IR laser pumped anti-Stokes emission of Er-Yb doped systems for identification of securities

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Kuzmin, A.N.; Ryabtsev, G.I.; Ketko, G.A.; Gorelenko, A.Yu.; Demidovich, A.A.; Strek, W.; Maruszewicz, K.; Deren, P.

    1996-01-01

    In this paper we present a utilization of anti-Stokes luminescence of Er-Yb systems for identification of securities. A simple method of detection of an up-conversion phenomenon in such system by means of IR laser operating in the region 960-1010 nm is proposed. (author)

  17. Strongly luminescent InP/ZnS core-shell nanoparticles.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Haubold, S; Haase, M; Kornowski, A; Weller, H

    2001-05-18

    The wide-bandgap semiconducting material, zinc sulfide, has been coated on indium phosphide nanoclusters to a 1-2-Å thickness. The resulting InP-ZnS core-shell particle (as shown in the TEM image; scale 1 cm=5 nm) exhibits bright luminescence at room temperature with quantum efficiencies as high as 23 %. © 2001 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH, Weinheim, Fed. Rep. of Germany.

  18. Patterned direct-write and screen-printing of NIR-to-visible upconverting inks for security applications.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Blumenthal, Tyler; Meruga, Jeevan; Stanley May, P; Kellar, Jon; Cross, William; Ankireddy, Krishnamraju; Vunnam, Swathi; Luu, Quocanh N

    2012-05-11

    Two methods of direct-write printing for producing highly resolved features of a polymer impregnated with luminescent upconversion phosphors for security applications are presented. The printed polymer structures range in shape from features to text. The thin polymer features were deposited by direct-write printing of atomized material as well as by screen-printing techniques. These films contain highly luminescent lanthanide-doped, rare-earth nanocrystals, β-NaYF₄:3%Er, 17%Yb, which are capped with oleic acid. This capping agent allows the nanocrystals to disperse throughout the films for full detailing of printed features. Upconversion of deposited features was obtained using a 980 nm wavelength laser with emission of upconverted light in the visible region at both 540 and 660 nm. Features were deposited onto high bond paper, Kapton®, and glass to demonstrate possible covert and forensic security printing applications, as they are printed in various features and invisible to 'naked-eye' viewing at low concentrations of nanocrystals.

  19. Patterned direct-write and screen-printing of NIR-to-visible upconverting inks for security applications

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Blumenthal, Tyler; Meruga, Jeevan; Kellar, Jon; Cross, William; Ankireddy, Krishnamraju; Vunnam, Swathi; Stanley May, P; Luu, QuocAnh N

    2012-01-01

    Two methods of direct-write printing for producing highly resolved features of a polymer impregnated with luminescent upconversion phosphors for security applications are presented. The printed polymer structures range in shape from features to text. The thin polymer features were deposited by direct-write printing of atomized material as well as by screen-printing techniques. These films contain highly luminescent lanthanide-doped, rare-earth nanocrystals, β-NaYF 4 :3%Er, 17%Yb, which are capped with oleic acid. This capping agent allows the nanocrystals to disperse throughout the films for full detailing of printed features. Upconversion of deposited features was obtained using a 980 nm wavelength laser with emission of upconverted light in the visible region at both 540 and 660 nm. Features were deposited onto high bond paper, Kapton ® , and glass to demonstrate possible covert and forensic security printing applications, as they are printed in various features and invisible to ‘naked-eye’ viewing at low concentrations of nanocrystals. (paper)

  20. Patterned direct-write and screen-printing of NIR-to-visible upconverting inks for security applications

    Science.gov (United States)

    Blumenthal, Tyler; Meruga, Jeevan; May, P. Stanley; Kellar, Jon; Cross, William; Ankireddy, Krishnamraju; Vunnam, Swathi; Luu, QuocAnh N.

    2012-05-01

    Two methods of direct-write printing for producing highly resolved features of a polymer impregnated with luminescent upconversion phosphors for security applications are presented. The printed polymer structures range in shape from features to text. The thin polymer features were deposited by direct-write printing of atomized material as well as by screen-printing techniques. These films contain highly luminescent lanthanide-doped, rare-earth nanocrystals, β-NaYF4:3%Er, 17%Yb, which are capped with oleic acid. This capping agent allows the nanocrystals to disperse throughout the films for full detailing of printed features. Upconversion of deposited features was obtained using a 980 nm wavelength laser with emission of upconverted light in the visible region at both 540 and 660 nm. Features were deposited onto high bond paper, Kapton®, and glass to demonstrate possible covert and forensic security printing applications, as they are printed in various features and invisible to ‘naked-eye’ viewing at low concentrations of nanocrystals.