Spectroscopy, upconversion dynamics, and applications of Er3+-doped low-phonon materials

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advances in Er3+-doped low-phonon materials, highlighting their efficient upconversion properties and potential for optical refrigeration, with future prospects involving nanoscale photonic structures.

Contribution

It presents new insights into upconversion dynamics and introduces innovative applications in optical cooling using Er3+-doped low-phonon materials.

Findings

Efficient blue and green upconversion in potassium lead halide crystals.

Potential for optical refrigeration via infrared-to-visible upconversion.

Proposed use of nanoscale photonic heterostructures to enhance luminescence efficiency.

Abstract

In this work I summarize some of the recent work carried out by our group on the upconversion dynamics of Er3+-doped potassium lead halide crystals, which possess very small phonons and present very efficient blue and green upconversion. Furthermore, a non-conventional application of these RE-doped low-phonon materials in optical refrigeration of luminescent solids is also discussed, paying especial attention to new pathways for optical cooling that include infrared-to-visible upconversion. Finally, I conclude with some hints of what I think it is the next step into improving the luminescence efficiency of solids: the use of RE-doped nanoscale photonic heterostructures for controlling the density of photonic states.