Highly precise FIR thermometer based on the thermally enhanced upconversion luminescence for temperature feedback photothermal therapy

Abstract

A highly precise temperature-feedback photothermal therapy platform in deep tissue is proposed based on all-fiber fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) thermometry, which provides a promising route to realize real-time temperature monitoring in the minimally invasive treatment of tumors. Highly disordered double perovskite Li₂Zn₂Mo₃O₁₂ (LZMO) phosphors doped with rare earth ions were prepared and intense green upconversion emissions were observed with an ultra-low excitation power. The thermal enhancement of the upconversion luminescence was achieved up to 423 K, which is very beneficial to achieve a good signal-to-noise performance during the temperature-rise period. Superior temperature sensing performance was demonstrated with the maximum absolute sensitivity of 89.9 × 10⁻⁴ at 423 K. The strong upconversion emissions and high temperature sensitivity result in a small temperature error (±0.4 K). The integrated bifunctional needle could simultaneously realize temperature measurement and laser heating, which was exhibited in the denaturation of egg white and laser ablation of the porcine liver in vitro.