Interactions in Rare-Earth-Doped Nanoparticles: A Multi-Transition, Concentration, and Excitation Path Analysis.

Perrin, Pauline; Dos Santos, Luiz Fernando; Hebbrecht, Alexandre; Serrano, Diana; Tiranov, Alexey; Achard, Jocelyn; Tallaire, Alexandre; Gonçalves, Rogéria R et al. · ACS Nano · 2026

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Understanding and modeling energy transfer mechanisms in rare-earth-doped nanomaterials are essential for advancing luminescent technologies used in bioimaging, optical thermometry, and solid-state lasers. In this work, we investigate the photoluminescence dynamics of Yb<sup>3+</sup> and Er<sup>3+</sup> ions in Y<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles over a wide concentration range (0.5-17%), using both direct and up-conversion excitation. Luminescence decays of green, red, and near-infrared transitions were measured and analyzed using a single rate equation model incorporating radiative and non-radiative processes, energy transfer mechanisms, and defect-related quenching. Using specific measurements to determine each model parameter in a reliable way, we successfully reproduce experimental trends across most concentrations and excitation paths. This unified approach thus provides a sound and predictive framework for modeling energy transfer in rare-earth-doped materials and offers valuable insights for optimizing photoluminescent properties in nanostructured systems.