Blackbody emission from CaF2 and ZrO2 nanosized dielectric particles doped with Er3+ ions

Abstract

We studied the features of the appearance of broadband “white” emission in CaF₂-x mol% ErF₃ and ZrO₂-x mol% Er₂O₃ (x = 0–25) nanosized dielectric particles upon their excitation by intense laser radiation with λ_exc = 1550 nm. Comparison of the results of this study with the results obtained previously for other materials doped with Er³⁺ ions confirmed the thermal nature of the observed emission and made it possible to identify the main factors affecting its occurrence. These include the band gap of the material and the presence of defects in its structure. A method of applying the effect in dermatology is proposed.