Optical thermometry through infrared excited upconversion fluorescence emission in Er3+- and Er3+-Yb3+-doped chalcogenide glasses

Optical thermometry based upon infrared excited upconversion fluorescence e mission in Er3+- and Er3+-Yb3+- doped Ga2S3:La2O3 chalcogenide glasses exci ted at 1.54 and 1.06 mu m, respectively, is presented, Temperature sensing in the region of 20 degrees C-220 degrees C with 0.3 degrees C accuracy usi ng excitation powers readily obtainable from commercially available semicon ductor lasers was achieved, The temperature sensing approach is independent of fluctuations in excitation intensity and transmission and requires a si mple and low-cost signal detection and processing system. The results also indicate that the glassy host material plays a major role in the performanc e of the sensing system.