UV-blue luminescent properties of Tm3+:Y2O3 nanocrystals and PMMA-based composites

In this paper we report the results of investigations on optical properties in the short-wavelength spectral range of thulium doped Y2O3 nanocrystals and PMMA-based polymer nanocomposites doped with them. The set of thulium doped Y2O3 nanopowders differing in dopant concentrations was examined with respect of structural features and UV-blue emission properties. In particular, the concentration-dependent luminescence spectra and fluorescence dynamics profiles have been measured, enabling identification of emitting levels, determination of fluorescence lifetimes as well as discussion and analysis of possible fluorescence quenching mechanisms. This, in turn, enabled optimization of the dopant concentration and manufacturing PMMA polymer composites doped with Tm3+:Y2O3 nanopowders, luminescent properties of which have been investigated and compared with those of original nanocrystals.