Through conventional solid-state sintering process, PbNb2O6:Yb3+, Ln3+ (Ln3+=Er3+/Ho3+)
ceramics have been fabricated. The structural information of synthesized ceramics was
obtained via X-ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopy was utilized to investigate
their morphological properties. The investigation of upconversion photoluminescence
properties of the synthesized ceramics was conducted by analyzing upconversion emission
spectra upon excitation with 980 nm light. Power dependence studies confirmed the
presence of two-photon absorption processes in both PbNb2O6:Yb3+, Er3+ and
PbNb2O6:Yb3+, Ho3+ ceramics. Temperature-dependent experiments from 303 K to 513 K
demonstrated significant variations in emission intensities and fluorescence intensity ratios
(FIR), enabling the assessment of temperature changes. The absolute sensitivity of
PbNb2O6 ceramic co-doped with Yb3+, Er3+ ions reached its maximum value of 0.0056 K-1
at 513 K, while the maximum relative sensitivity of 0.697% K-1 was recorded at 339 K.
For PbNb2O6 ceramic co-doped with Yb3+, Ho3+ ions, the maximum values of absolute and
relative sensitivities were 0.048 K-1 and 0.8% K-1 at 513 K and 473 K, respectively. These
results highlight the potential applications of PbNb2O6:Yb3+, Ln3+ (Ln3+=Er3+/Ho3+)
ceramics in advanced temperature sensing based on photoluminescence.