Photon avalanche-driven multicolor emission: yttrium vanadate upconversion phosphors for optical thermometry, forensics, and healing light applications

Abstract

The exploration of photon upconversion has led to the development of multifunctional lanthanide-based materials, particularly through the mechanism of photon avalanche, marking a transformative advancement in material science. In this study, yttrium vanadate upconversion nanocrystalline phosphors (UCNCPs) activated by Ho3+/Er3+/Tm3+/Yb3+ ions are reported. These UCNCPs demonstrate a remarkable ability in the photon avalanche, offering highly intense and tunable emissions across the visible spectrum at room temperature under low excitation power of 980 nm laser. The average number of photons involved in the UC process at threshold pump power, highlighting the intricate interplay of cross-relaxation and energy transfer loops in avalanche mechanism. Notably, these UCNCPs have shown exceptional temperature sensing capabilities, where non-thermally coupled levels of the Ho3+ and Tm3+ ions provide higher relative sensitivity and accuracy than thermally coupled levels of Er3+ ions. The versatility of these UCNCPs is further established by their application in solid-state lighting, where they can produce vibrant red, green, blue, and warm-white light, and in security, serving as multi-level anti-counterfeiting inks that respond to 980 nm laser illumination. These developments not only pave the way for more energy-efficient lighting solutions but also offer new avenues for enhancing the security of valuable items. The temperature sensing capabilities of these phosphors add another layer of functionality, making them ideal for high-tech applications ranging from medical diagnostics to environmental monitoring. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.