Energy transfer between doubly doped Er3+, Tm3+and Ho3+ rare earth ions in SiO2 nanoparticles

Preparation of Er3+, Ho3+ and Tm3+ ions co-doped SiO2 nanoparticle phosphor powders by sol gel method is reported. The morphology and the particle size of the SiO2 host matrix were confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Ultraviolet, visible (UV/VIS) and cathodoluminescence measurements were carried out in order to investigate the optical properties of our powder phosphors. Green emissions at 520 nm from Er3+ and 544 nm from Ho3+, and red emissions at 665 nm from both Er3+ and Ho3+ ions are reported. Another emission peak in the near infra-red (NIR) region at 875 nm from Er3+ was also measured. Blue emission at 460 nm, red at 705 nm and a NIR peak in the region of 865 nm from Tm3+ were observed. Red, green and blue (RGB) colours were measured from both SiO2:Er3+,Tm3+ and SiO2:Ho3+,Tm3+ systems. The change in the intensities of the emission peaks in both the SiO2:Ho3+,Tm3+ and SiO2:Er3+,Tm3+ systems with the change in accelerating beam voltage is shown. Energy transfer from Tm3+ ions to Er3+ and Ho3+ ions was observed. A mechanism explaining the increase and decrease behaviour of the emission with accelerating beam voltage from both systems is reported.