Plasmon-enhanced luminescence in Yb3+:Y2O3 thin film and the potential for solar cell photon harvesting

Photoluminescence in Yb3+:Y2O3 thin films grown on sapphire substrates are enhanced using arrays of gold nanoparticles having different shape aspect ratios. The enhanced photoluminescence is attributed to the resonance of localized surface plasmon resonance modes of gold nanoparticles with multiple optical transition lines of the doped Yb3+ ions. Its potential as an effective means for solar cell photon harvesting through efficient frequency shifting is also discussed, considering the demonstrated benefits of broad spectral response and much relaxed tolerance for nanofabrication.