Optical temperature sensing using upconversion fluorescence emission in Er3+/Yb3+-codoped chalcogenide glass

Optical temperature sensing using upconversion fluorescence emission in Er3 +/Yb3+-codoped Ga2S3:La2O3 chalcogenide glass excited at 1.06 mu m is repor ted. Temperature measurements in the region of 20-225 degrees C with a reso lution of approximately 0.5 degrees C using excitation powers of a few tens of milliwatts were obtained. The temperature sensing mechanism is independ ent of variations in the excitation intensity, possible fluctuations of tra nsmission, and utilizes a simple signal detection and processing system. Th e results also revealed that the glass host material plays an important rol e in the performance of the sensing system. (C) 1998 American Institute of Physics. [S0003-6951(98)02231-1].