NIR-Emitting Lanthanide Ions for Sensors

Some trivalent lanthanide ions, namely Ho, Nd, Er and Yb, emit radiation in the infrared range and form very stable, non-toxic compounds. Therefore, they are ideal examples of luminescent materials appropriated for medical applications, especially because blood is transparent in this spectral range. Moreover, IR-emitting materials are applied in telecommunications by glass fibers and promise enormous potential for the optical communication between microchips if the right compound is selected.

SrCl₂:Ho³⁺