Tunable Emission and Color Temperature of Yb(3+)/Er(3+)/Tm(3+)-Tridoped Y(2)O(3)-ZnO Ceramic Nano-Phosphors Using Er(3+) Concentration and Excitation Pump Power

In this study, a series of well-crystallized Yb(3+)/Er(3+)/Tm(3+)-tridoped Y(2)O(3)-ZnO ceramic nano-phosphors were prepared using sol–gel synthesis, and the phosphor structures were studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The phosphors were well crystallized and exhibited a sharp-edged angular crystal structure and mesoporous structure consisting of 270 nm nano-particles. All phosphors generated blue, green, and red emission bands attributed to Tm: (1)G(4)→(3)H(6), Er: (2)H(11/2) ((4)S(3/2))→(4)I(15/2), and Er: (4)F(9/2)→(4)I(15/2) radiative transitions, respectively. Increasing in luminescent centers, weakening of lattice symmetry, and releasing of dormant rare earth ions can enhance all emissions. Er(3+) can obtain energy from Tm(3+) to enhance green and red emission. These colors can be tuned by optimizing the doping concentrations of the Er(3+) ion. The color coordinates were adjusted by tuning both the Er(3+) concentration and excitation laser pump power to shift the color coordinates and correlated color temperature. The findings of this study will broaden the potential practical applications of phosphors.