NIR to visible upconversion in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped CaYAl3O7 phosphor obtained by solution combustion process

Using the combustion synthesis, CaYAl3O7:Er3+ phosphor powders co-doped with Yb3+ have been prepared at low temperatures (550 °C) in a few minutes. Formation of the compound was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction. Near-infrared to visible upconversion fluorescence emission in the Er3+ doped CaYAl3O7 phosphor powder has been observed. The effect of co-doping with triply ionized ytterbium in the CaYAl3O7:Er3+ phosphor has been studied and the process involved is discussed.