Luminescent Properties of Ensemble and Individual Erbium-Doped Yttrium Oxide Nanotubes

The luminescent properties, including cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence, of the erbium-doped yttrium oxide (Er3+: Y2 O3) nanotubes (NTs) have been systematically studied. These NTs were synthesized by a hydrothermal treatment followed by a dehydration process. Cathodoluminescent measurements show that every Er3+: Y2 O3 NT is luminescent under electron excitation. In the near-infrared region, sharp, well-resolved, pump-power-dependent, and thermally stable photoluminescence was observed from ensemble NTs. Individual NTs also present characteristic luminescent emissions in the same spectral region. These properties make these NTs promising for applications in display, bioanalysis, and telecommunication