Investigation of upconversion and near infrared emission properties in CeO₂: Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ inverse opals.

The upconversion emission of rare earth ions can be modified in photonic crystals, however, the influence of upconversion emission modification of rare earths on near infrared emission has not been investigated yet in the photonic crystals. In the paper, CeO₂: Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ inverse opals with the photonic band gaps at 545, 680 and 450 nm were prepared by polystyrene colloidal crystal templates. The upconversion and the near infrared emission properties of Er³⁺ ions were systematically investigated in the CeO₂: Er³⁺, Yb³⁺ inverse opals. Comparing with the reference sample, significant suppression of both the green and red upconversion luminescence of Er³⁺ ions were observed in the inverse opals. It is interesting that the infrared emission located at 1,560 nm was enhanced due to inhibition of upconversion emission in the inverse opals. Additionally, mechanism of upconversion emission of the inverse opal was discussed. The photon avalanche upconversion process is observed.