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Precisely Tailoring Upconversion Dynamics via Energy Migration in Core–Shell Nanostructures
Author(s) -
Zuo Jing,
Sun Dapeng,
Tu Langping,
Wu Yanni,
Cao Yinghui,
Xue Bin,
Zhang Youlin,
Chang Yulei,
Liu Xiaomin,
Kong Xianggui,
Buma Wybren Jan,
Meijer Evert Jan,
Zhang Hong
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
angewandte chemie
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1521-3757
pISSN - 0044-8249
DOI - 10.1002/ange.201711606
Subject(s) - photon upconversion , nanostructure , dopant , excitation , materials science , nanotechnology , activator (genetics) , ion , chemical physics , spectroscopy , optoelectronics , chemistry , luminescence , doping , physics , biochemistry , organic chemistry , quantum mechanics , gene
Upconversion emission dynamics have long been believed to be determined by the activator and its interaction with neighboring sensitizers. Herein this assumption is, however, shown to be invalid for nanostructures. We demonstrate that excitation energy migration greatly affects upconversion emission dynamics. “Dopant ions’ spatial separation” nanostructures are designed as model systems and the intimate link between the random nature of energy migration and upconversion emission time behavior is unraveled by theoretical modelling and confirmed spectroscopically. Based on this new fundamental insight, we have successfully realized fine control of upconversion emission time behavior (either rise or decay process) by tuning the energy migration paths in various specifically designed nanostructures. This result is significant for applications of this type of materials in super resolution spectroscopy, high‐density data storage, anti‐counterfeiting, and biological imaging.