Eu3+ doped YNbO4 phosphor properties for fluorescence thermometry

We prepared an efficient YNbO4:Eu3+ phosphor using a simple solid-state reaction method and examined its photoluminescent properties in order to investigate the possibility for its usage in phosphor thermometry. Photoluminescence measurements were performed in the temperature range 303–803 K, and the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) of the paired emissions lines of Eu3+ (5D1 → 7F1 and 5D0 → 7F1 transitions) was studied as a function of temperature. The sample crystalline structure is confirmed by XRD measurements. The material is proved to have a good potential for the development of thermographic phosphors. It exhibits maximum temperature sensitivity of approximately 3.5 × 10−3 K−1 in the temperature region around 700 K. -- Highlights: ► Efficient YNbO4:1at%Eu3+ phosphor was synthesized by a simple solid-state reaction. ► Photoluminescence emission spectra were studied in the temperature range 303–803 K. ► Intensity ratio of 5D1 → 7F1 and 5D0 → 7F1 Eu3+ ion transitions may be used for temperature measurements. ► The temperature sensitivity is about 3.5 × 10−3 K−1 in the region around 700 K