Controlled synthesis and optical characterization of multifunctional ordered Y2O3:Er3+ porous pyramid arrays

Novel large-scale ordered Y2O3 : Er3+ porous pyramid arrays are synthesized on glass substrates, based on a simple and flexible method using the layer colloidal crystal with different sizes of polystyrene colloidal microsphere as templates. Such arrays exhibit bifunctionality, i.e., superior broadband antireflection in the wavelength range from 300 nm to 1100 nm, and intense red and infrared emissions under 1.538 mu m excitation. The morphologies and transmission ratio of the resulting arrays can be controlled by adjusting micropore diameter sizes of the arrays from 305 nm to 795 nm. The intensities of red and infrared emissions are enhanced respectively 19 and 3 times by tailoring Er3+ ions' local environment with Li+.