Lanthanide-Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles for Imaging, Sensing and Therapy
This community develops nanoscale materials that convert near-infrared light into visible luminescence, primarily for biomedical imaging, photodynamic therapy, and high-precision temperature sensing.
The work centers on synthesizing and characterizing nanoparticles doped with rare-earth ions, specifically Ytterbium (Yb³⁺) and Erbium (Er³⁺), to achieve upconversion luminescence. Recurring methods include core-shell structural engineering to enhance emission intensity and control energy transfer pathways. Applications span fluorescence imaging, optical thermometry, and photodynamic therapy, often utilizing indocyanine green or other photosensitizers. The research focuses on optimizing quantum yields, managing thermal effects, and tailoring emission spectra for specific detection windows, with significant attention to the photophysics of triplet-triplet annihilation and resonance energy transfer mechanisms.
The largest share of the community's output is found in Ytterbium research, accounting for 2.7% of all Ytterbium research, and Erbium research, representing 1.5% of all Erbium research.
The community comprises 15,969 papers, published most frequently in the Journal of Luminescence, Optical Materials, and Journal of Alloys and Compounds.
Recent work includes the development of electroluminescent lanthanide systems, infrared silicon photodetectors using upconversion nanoparticles, and advanced nanothermometry designs, alongside continued exploration of upconversion mechanisms for biomedical and sensing applications.