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Ultralow-threshold upconversion infrared vision via a microsphere-mediated directional photofield

Author

Listed:
  • Dong Wang

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

  • Qikuan Cheng

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

  • Weibang Xia

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

  • Yongyao Tan

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Kexuan Yu

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

  • Lu Zhang

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

  • Guigang Li

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Rong Liu

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Wei Wang

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Linjuan Xu

    (Huazhong University of Science and Technology)

  • Suli Wu

    (Dalian University of Technology)

  • Yang Liu

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

  • Yunming Wang

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

  • Huamin Zhou

    (Huazhong University of Science & Technology)

Abstract

Constructing micro-/nanostructure-modulated photofields in upconversion devices to absorb low-energy photons and emit high-energy light is revolutionary for bioimaging, lasers, and photovoltaics, with proven capability to boost upconversion luminescence (UCL) by orders of magnitude. However, photoenergy dissipation and inadequate absorption result in excitation thresholds exceeding 1 mW/cm2, which exceeds retinal safety limits and hinders wearable upconversion optics. Here, we report the use of upconversion core-shell microsphere-induced infrared field convergence, NaYF4:Yb,Er shell-based resonant cavities for multiple reflection-absorption-upconversion and photonic crystal amplifiers to improve UCL intensity three orders of magnitude, and achieve ultralow threshold (0.0025 mW/cm2). The 500 nm upconversion core-shell microspheres generated 1200-fold stronger electric field through concentrated photofield and attained 8-fold infrared absorption with a forward/backward emission ratio of 150. Fabricated upconversion contact lenses significantly improved dark-light imaging clarity and vision restoration in retinal degeneration rabbits. Microsphere-mediated directional upconversion strategy maximizes photoenergy utilization, paving the way for high-performance wearable upconversion devices.

Suggested Citation

  • Dong Wang & Qikuan Cheng & Weibang Xia & Yongyao Tan & Kexuan Yu & Lu Zhang & Guigang Li & Rong Liu & Wei Wang & Linjuan Xu & Suli Wu & Yang Liu & Yunming Wang & Huamin Zhou, 2025. "Ultralow-threshold upconversion infrared vision via a microsphere-mediated directional photofield," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-60393-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-60393-1
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