LiNbO3–Yb3+ crystal as a material for optical temperature sensor

Abstract

The method of optical determination of temperature based on cooperative luminescence in the LiNbO₃ crystals doped with rare earth ions is proposed. As a temperature-dependent measurable characteristic, the quantum yield of luminescence is considered taking into account the processes of nonradiative redistribution of the electron excitation energy in the impurity subsystem. It is shown that the LiNbO₃–Yb³⁺ crystals can be used as a material for optical temperature sensors in the temperature range of 200–500 K with the average sensitivity of 0.12%K^–1.