Optical thermometry based on the stark sub-levels of Er3+ in Y2Mo3O12: Yb3+, Er3+ particles synthesized by sol–gel method

To settle the challenges of both excellent luminescent property and high sensitivity for optical thermometry, a series of Y2Mo3O12: Yb3+, Er3+ submicron particles with different Yb3+ contents were prepared via a citric-assisted sol–gel technique. Under 980 nm excitation, the samples exhibit characteristic emissions ascribed to the transitions of 2H11/2 and 4S3/2 levels to the ground state of Er3+ ion. The Stark splitting of 4S3/2 and 2H11/2 is observed. According to the emission spectra, the optimal doping concentration of Yb3+ and Er3+ is concluded to be 15 mol