Synthesis of Er super(3+):Lu sub(2)O sub(3) nanopowders by carbonate co-precipitation process and fabrication of transparent ceramics

Er super(3+) ions-doped Lu sub(2)O sub(3) nanopowders were synthesized by co-precipitation method using NH sub(4)HCO sub(3) as a precipitant, then Er super(3+):Lu sub(2)O sub(3) transparent ceramics were fabricated by vacuum sintering using the as-prepared powder. The structure, crystallite size and upconversion luminescence (UCL) spectra of the as synthesized powders were characterized. The results indicated that the UCL properties of the powders varied with the calcination temperature and the Er super(3+) doping concentrations. Under the excitation of 980 nm laser diode, the ceramic sample showed a visually dominant green emission. Power studies revealed that the green ( super(4)S sub(3/2) arrow right super(4)I sub(15/2)) and red ( super(4)F sub(9/2) arrow right super(4)I sub(15/2)) upconversion emission of the sample occurred via a two-photon process.