ABSTRACT
We propose a system for imaging 1510â nm near-infrared (NIR) wavelength via upconversion (UC) luminescence in an Er3+-doped CaF2 crystal. Er3+ ions are excited from the ground to the excited state levels by an 800-nm pre-excitation wavelength, followed by the promotion of these ions to a higher energy level by the NIR excitation wavelength. Relaxation of these excited ions gives rise to 540â nm UC luminescence in the visible region, enabling the detection of the 1510â nm NIR wavelength. Using this UC scheme, 1510â nm was successfully imaged. Our system enables imaging of NIR wavelengths using low-cost optics and readily available Si-based detectors that are sensitive only to visible wavelengths, opening new possibilities for detection and imaging of NIR wavelengths.