LAUSR

Abstract In this paper, K3ScF6:Yb3+, Tm3+ phosphor with a cubic cryolite phase were prepared by means of high-temperature solid-state method. The crystal structure and up-conversion luminescence properties of Tm3+ and Yb3+ co-doped K3ScF6 were investigated in detail. Scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy disperse spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were used to analyze the elements composition, elemental distribution and valence states of samples. Under an excitation wavelength at 980 nm, all the samples displayed blue and red emission. When gradually increasing the concentration of Tm3+ in K3ScF6:0.2 Yb3+, Tm3+ and Yb3+ in K3ScF6: 0.01 Tm3+, Yb3+, the emission intensity of the samples appeared obviously concentration quenching effect, and the optimum concentration of Tm3+ and Yb3+ were confirmed to 0.01 and 0.20 mol%. Additionally, the effect of pump power on up-conversion emission intensity and the energy transfer mechanism between the Tm3+ and Yb3+ in these samples were analyzed in detail.