Host effects on luminescent properties of Er, Yb doped nanophosphors: visual comparison by data dimensionality reduction technique

In this study we introduce photoluminescence analysis of nano powder YAlO₃ doped with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺. We compare this material with other hosts, Gd₂O₃, CaGdAlO₄ and Y₂O₂S, doped with Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺. Beside usual ways to characterize these materials we also include visual comparison by data dimensionality reduction techniques, as a way for initial assessment of a new material. Samples were excited at 980 nm by using pulsed laser diode to analyze effects of host matrices on optical emission of erbium. For this purpose the luminescence spectra of all samples were obtained in a continuous series of measurements under the same experimental conditions. Moreover, the samples were prepared in the same way, by combustion synthesis. We compare the possibilities of using these materials for remote temperature sensing, showing that YAlO₃:Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ is a good candidate for remote temperature sensing.