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In recent years, chromium (III) complexes have received a lot of attention as novel near-infrared (NIR) emitters triggered by the report on the first molecular ruby Cr(ddpd)2(BF4)3 with a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 13.7% of its near infrared (NIR) emission band and a long luminescence lifetime of 1.122 ms at room temperature.[1] However, in an oxygen-containing environment, the photoluminescence quantum yields and luminescence lifetimes of these chromium(III) complexes show only very small values. This hampers their application as NIR luminescence labels. This application, that cannot be tackled by conventional deoxygenating approaches, requires suitable strategies to protect the luminescence of the chromium(III) complexes from oxygen quenching. An elegant approach to reduce the undesired luminescence quenching by triplet oxygen explored by us presents the incorporation of these chromium(III) complexes into different types of amorphous, non-porous silica nanoparticles, that can be simply surface functionalized, e.g., with targeting ligands and/or other sensor molecules. In this work, as first proof-of-concept experiments, a set of chromium (III) complexes constituting of different ligands and counter anions, were embedded into the core of silica nanoparticles. Subsequently, the optical properties of the resulting luminescent silica nanoparticles were spectroscopically assessed by steady state and time-resolved luminescence spectroscopy. First results of time-resolved luminescence measurements confirm our design concept of nanoscale NIR emissive Cr(III) complex-based reporters
In the focus of division Biophotonics are the design, preparation, analytical and spectroscopic characterization, and application of molecular and nanoscale
functional materials, particularly materials with a photoluminescence in the visible, near infrared (NIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR). This includes optical reporters for bioimaging and sensing, security and authentication barcodes, and materials for solid state lighting, energy conversion, and photovoltaics. For the identification of optimum particle structures quantitative spectroscopic studies are performed under application-relevant conditions, focusing on the key performance parameter photoluminescence quantum yield. In addition, simple, cost-efficient, and standardizable strategies for quantifying functional groups on the surface of nano- and microparticles are developed, here with a focus on optical assays and electrochemical titration methods, cross-validated by more advanced methods such as quantitative NMR. In addition, reference materials and reference products are developed for optical methods, particularly luminescence techniques, and for analytical methods utilized for the characterization of nanomaterials.
Photoluminescence Quantum Yields of Luminescent Nanocrystals and Particles in the UV/vis/NIR/SWIR
(2023)
The rational design of functional luminescent materials such as semiconductor quantum dots and lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles, all photophysical and mechanistic studies, and the comparison of different emitters require accurate and quantitative photoluminescence measurements. Particularly the reliable determination of the key performance parameter photoluminescence quantum yield (f), the number of emitted per absorbed photons, and the brightness are of special importance for luminescence applications in the life and material sciences and nano(bio)photonics.[1] In this context, examples for absolute measurements of the photoluminescence quantum yields of UV/vis/NIR/SWIR emissive semiconductor quantum dots and rods, made from different materials, and spectrally shifting lanthanide upconversion nanocrystals with different surface chemistries in transparent matrices are presented including excitation wavelength and power density dependent studies utilizing integration sphere spectroscopy.[2,3] In addition, procedures for the absolute determination of the photoluminescence quantum yields of scattering dispersions of larger size quantum rods and differently sized inorganic particles have been developed as well as procedures for the characterization of solid luminescent nanomaterials such as different perovskites and YAG:Cer converter materials.[4] Thereby, challenges and pitfalls of f measurements in different wavelength regions including the SWIR and material-specific effects related to certain emitter classes are addressed, achievable uncertainties are quantified, and relative and absolute measurements of photoluminescence quantum yield measurements are compared to underline limitations of the former approach. Finally, a set of novel UV/vis/NIR quantum yield standards is presented including their certification with a complete uncertainty budget.[5]
In Deutschland werden jährlich rund 20 Millionen Tonnen künstliche Mineralwolle für die Dämmung von Dächern und Fassaden sowie für Brandschutzprodukte verwendet. Um künstliche Mineralwolle aus Rückbaumaßnahmen in den Produktionsprozess zurückführen zu können, ist eine Trennung in Glas- und Steinwolle erforderlich, um eine Vermischung der beiden Produkte, die unterschiedliche Schmelztemperaturen aufweisen, zu vermeiden. Anstatt die Mineralwolle in spezielle Labors zu schicken, was zeitaufwendig und teuer ist, wurde das Potenzial eines tragbaren Nahinfrarot-Spektrometers (NIR) für den Einsatz vor Ort getestet. 140 verschiedene Mineralwolleproben wurden untersucht, um eine NIR-basierte Methode für die Vor-Ort-Unterscheidung zwischen Glas- und Steinwolle zu etablieren. Die Validierung der Methode mit Testproben und die Anwendung auf Materialien, die aus BigBags für Deponien entnommen wurden, haben gezeigt, dass die Methode präzise und robust ist. Als Referenzmethode wurde die Röntgenfluoreszenzspektroskopie (RFA) mit einer Kalibrierung auf der Grundlage der VDI 3492 verwendet.
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) used for treating cancer relies on the generation of highly reactive oxygen species, for example, singlet oxygen 1O2, by light-induced excitation of a photosensitizer (PS) in the presence of molecular oxygen, inducing DNA damage in close proximity of the PS. Although many precious metal complexes have been explored as PS for PDT and received clinical approval, only recently, the potential of photoactive complexes of nonnoble metals as PS has been discovered. Using the DNA origami technology that can absolutely quantify DNA strand break cross sections, we assessed the potential of the luminescent transition metal complex [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd=N,N’-dimethyl-N,N’-dipyridine-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine) to damage DNA in an air-saturated aqueous environment upon UV/Vis illumination. The quantum yield for strand breakage, that is, the ratio of DNA strand breaks to the number of absorbed photons, was determined to 1–4%, indicating efficient transformation of photons into DNA strand breaks by [Cr(ddpd)2]3+.
Chromium(III) complexes can show phosphorescence from the spin-flip excited doublet states 2E/2T1 in the near-infrared with high photoluminescence quantum yields and extremely long lifetimes in the absence of dioxygen. The prototype molecular ruby, [Cr(ddpd)2]3+ (ddpd = N,N’-dimethyl-N,N’-dipyridine-2-ylpyridine-2,6-diamine), has a photoluminescence quantum yield and a luminescence lifetime of 13.7% and 1.1 ms in deaerated acetonitrile, respectively. However, its luminescence is strongly quenched by 3O2 via an efficient Dexter-type energy transfer process. To enable luminescence applications of molecular rubies in solution under aerobic conditions, we explored the potential of sterically demanding ddpd ligands to shield the chromium(III) center from O2 using steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy. The structures of the novel complexes with sterically demanding ligands were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction and quantum chemically by density functional theory calculations. The O2 sensitivity of the photoluminescence was derived from absolutely measured photoluminescence quantum yields and excited state lifetimes under inert and aerobic conditions and by Stern–Volmer analyses of these data. Optimal sterically shielded chromium(III) complexes revealed photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 5.1% and excited state lifetimes of 518 μs in air-saturated acetonitrile, underlining the large potential of this ligand design approach to broaden the applicability of highly emissive chromium(III) complexes.
Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a promising candidate for low-cost, nondestructive, and highthroughput mass quantification of microplastics in environmental samples. Widespread application of the technique is currently hampered mainly by the low sensitivity of NIR spectroscopy compared to thermoanalytical approaches commonly used for this type of analysis. This study shows how the application of NIR spectroscopy for mass quantification of microplastics can be extended to smaller analyte levels by combining it with a simple and rapid microplastic enrichment protocol. For this purpose, the widely used flotation of microplastics in a NaCl solution, accelerated by centrifugation, was chosen which allowed to remove up to 99 % of the matrix at recovery rates of 83–104 %. The spectroscopic measurements took place directly on the stainless-steel filters used to collect the extracted particles to reduce sample handling to a minimum. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were used to identify and quantify the extracted microplastics in the mass range of 1–10 mg.
The simple and fast extraction procedure was systematically optimized to meet the requirements for the quantification of microplastics from common PE-, PP-, and PS-based packaging materials with a particle size < 1 mm found in compost or soils with high natural organic matter content (> 10 % determined by loss on ignition). Microplastics could be detected in model samples at a mass fraction of 1 mg g-1. The detectable microplastic mass fraction is about an order of magnitude lower compared to previous studies using NIR spectroscopy without additional enrichment. To emphasize the cost-effectiveness of the method, it was implemented using some of the cheapest and most
compact NIR spectrometers available.
Anear-infrared (NIR) light-triggered release method for nitric oxide (NO) was developed utilizing core/shell NaYF4: Tm/Yb/Ca@NaGdF4:Nd/Yb up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) bearing a mesoporous silica (mSiO2) shell loaded with theNOdonor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-DL-penicillamine (SNAP). To avoid overheating in biological samples, Nd3+ was chosen as a sensitizer, Yb3+ ions as the bridging sensitizer, andTm3+ ions as UV-emissive activator while co-doping with Ca2+ was done to enhance the luminescence of the activatorTm3+.NOrelease from SNAP was triggered by an NIR-UV up-conversion process, initiated by 808nmlight absorbed by the Nd3+ ions.NOrelease was confirmed by the Griess method. Under 808nmirradiation, the viability of the liver cancer cell line HepG2 significantly decreased with increasing UCNPs@mSiO2-SNAP concentration. For a UCNPs@mSiO2-SNAP concentration of 200 μgml−1, the cell survival probability was 47%. These results demonstrate that UCNPs@mSiO2-SNAP can induce the release of apoptosis-inducingNOby NIR irradiation.
Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a promising candidate for low-cost, nondestructive, and high-throughput mass quantification of micro¬plastics in environmental samples. Widespread application of the technique is currently hampered mainly by the low sensitivity of NIR spectroscopy compared to thermo-analytical approaches commonly used for this type of analysis. This study shows how the application of NIR spectroscopy for mass quantification of microplastics can be extended to smaller analyte levels by combining it with a simple and rapid microplastic enrichment protocol. For this purpose, the widely used flotation of microplastics in a NaCl solution, accelerated by centrifugation, was chosen which allowed to remove up to 99 % of the matrix at recovery rates of 83–104 %. The spectroscopic measurements took place directly on the stainless-steel filters used to collect the extracted particles to reduce sample handling to a minimum. Partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were used to identify and quantify the extracted microplastics in the mass range of 1–10 mg. The simple and fast extraction procedure was systematically optimized to meet the requirements for the quantification of microplastics from common PE-, PP-, and PS-based packaging materials with a particle size < 1 mm found in compost or soils with high natural organic matter content (> 10 % determined by loss on ignition). Microplastics could be detected in model samples at a mass fraction of 1 mg g-1. The detectable microplastic mass fraction is about an order of magnitude lower compared to previous studies using NIR spectroscopy without additional enrichment. To emphasize the cost-effectiveness of the method, it was implemented using some of the cheapest and most compact NIR spectrometers available.
Recent progress has shown that using wavelengths between 1,000 and 2,000 nm, referred to as the shortwave-infrared or near-infrared (NIR)-II range, can enable high-resolution in vivo imaging at depths not possible with conventional optical wavelengths.
However, few bioconjugatable probes of the type that have proven invaluable for multiplexed imaging in the visible and NIR range are available for imaging these wavelengths. Using rational design, we have generated persulfonated indocyanine dyes with absorbance maxima at 872 and 1,072 nm through catechol-ring and aryl-ring fusion, respectively, onto the nonamethine scaffold. Multiplexed two-color and three-color in vivo imaging using monoclonal antibody and dextran conjugates in several tumor models illustrate the benefits of concurrent labeling of the tumor and healthy surrounding tissue and lymphatics.
These efforts are enabled by complementary advances in a custom-built NIR/shortwave-infrared imaging setup and software package for multicolor real-time imaging.
The influence of solvent polarity and surface ligand rigidification on the SWIR emission profile of gold nanoclusters with an anistropic surface was investigated. A strong enhancement of the SWIR emission band at 1200 nm was observed when measuring in different local environments: in solution, in polymer composites, and in solids. SWIR in vivo imaging of mice assisted by deep learning after intravenous administration of these gold nanoclusters provides high definition pseudo-3D views of vascular blood vessels.
Imaging in the shortwave-infrared region (SWIR, λ = 1000–2500 nm) has the potential to enable deep tissue imaging with high resolution. Critical to the development of these Methods is the identification of low molecular weight, biologically compatible fluorescent probes that emit beyond 1000 nm.
Exchanging the bridging oxygen atom on the xanthene scaffold (C10’ position) with electron withdrawing groups has been shown to lead to significant redshifts in absorbance and emission. Guided by quantum chemistry computational modeling studies, we investigated the installation of a Ketone bridge at the C10’ position. This simple modification extends the absorbance maxima to 860 nm and the emission beyond 1000 nm, albeit with reduced photon output. Overall, These studies demonstrate that broadly applied xanthene dyes can be extended into the SWIR range.
Rückgebaute Mineralwolledämmstoffe und Baustellenverschnitte werden in der Regel deponiert und damit als Rohstoffe dem Markt entzogen. Ziel dieses Projektes ist es darzulegen, dass das Recycling von Glas- und Steinwolle im großmaßstäblich volumenrelevanten Umfang für das Schmelzwannenverfahren technisch umsetzbar und ökonomisch und ökologisch vorteilhaft ist. Neben verfahrenstechnischen Herausforderungen, gilt es die wirtschaftliche in-situ-Identifikation unbekannter Mineralwolle zu ermöglichen. Dazu wird auf erste erfolgversprechende Tastversuche mit spektroskopischen Methoden weiter aufgebaut.
Enhanced photon upconversion using erbium-doped nanoparticles interacting with silicon metasurfaces
(2021)
Photon upconversion (UC) using trivalent erbium (Er+3) doped crystals is a promising concept to harness near infrared photons of the solar spectrum which cannot be directly absorbed by silicon solar cells. However, their UC efficiency at low-intensity 1 sun illumination is not relevant on device level so far. Exploiting giant near-field enhancement effects on metasurfaces is an appealing approach to enable efficient UC at low irradiance conditions. Here, we report on more than 1000-fold enhanced photon UC of NaYF4:Er+3 nanoparticles interacting with the near-fields supported by a silicon metasurface under 1550 nm excitation.
Accurate and quantitative photoluminescence measurements are mandatory for the comparison of different emitter classes and the rational design of the next generation of molecular and nanoscale reporters as well as for most applications relying on their luminescence features in the life and material sciences and nanobiophotonics. In the following, procedures for the determination of the spectroscopic key parameter photoluminescence quantum yield, i.e., the number of emitted per absorbed photons, in the UV/vis/NIR/SWIR are presented including pitfalls and achievable uncertainties and material-specific effects related to certain emitter classes are addressed. Special emphasis is dedicated to luminescent nanocrystals.
Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) relies on the activation of 10B by thermal neutrons, which results in small highly energetic particle emission inducing cancer cells damage. However, in order to overcome the limits of the currently used BNCT agents, it is necessary to design new systems, which can specifically accumulate and deliver a sufficient amount of 10B in tumors. In this study, we designed a 10B-BSH-containing aza-BODIPY (aza-SWIR-BSH). It enabled the efficient vectorization of clinically used 10B-BSH to the tumor, resulting in higher therapeutic activity than the 10B-BSH alone.
Inorganic nanocrystals with linear and nonlinear luminescence in the ultraviolet, visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared like semiconductor quantum dots and spectrally shifting lanthanide-based nanophosphors have meanwhile found applications in the life and material sciences ranging from optical reporters for bioimaging and sensing over security barcodes to solid state lighting and photovoltaics. These nanomaterials commonly have increasingly sophisticated core/shell particle architectures with shells of different chemical composition and thickness to minimize radiationless deactivation at the particle surface that is usually the main energy loss mechanism [1]. For lanthanide-based spectral shifters, particularly for very small nanoparticles, also surface coatings are needed which protect near-surface lanthanide ions from luminescence quenching by high energy vibrators like O-H groups and prevent the disintegration of these nanoparticles under high dilution conditions. [2,3,4]. The identification of optimum particle structures requires quantitative spectroscopic studies focusing on the key performance parameter photoluminescence quantum yield [5,6], ideally flanked by single particle studies to assess spectroscopic inhomogeneities on a particle-to-particle level for typical preparation methods [7], Moreover, in the case of upconversion nanoparticles with a multi-photonic and hence, excitation power density (P)-dependent luminescence, quantitative luminescence studies over a broad P range are required to identify particle architectures that are best suited for applications in fluorescence assays up to fluorescence microscopy. Here, we present methods to quantify the photoluminescence of these different types of emitters in the vis/NIR/SWIR and as function of Pand demonstrate the importance of such measurements for a profound mechanistic understanding of the nonradiative deactivation pathways in semiconductor and upconversion nanocrystals of different size and particle architecture in different environments.
Photon upconversion upon 1550 nm excitation is of high relevance for applications in the third biological excitation window, for photovoltaics beyond current limitations, and enables appealing options in the field of glass Fiber telecommunications. Trivalent doped erbium ions (Er3+) are the material of choice for 1550 nm excited upconversion, however, they suffer from a low absorption cross-section and a low brightness. Therefore, the ability of Silicon metasurfaces to provide greatly enhanced electrical near-fields is employed to enable efficient photon upconversion even at low external Illumination conditions. Hexagonally shaped β-NaYF4:Er3+ nanoparticles are placed on large-area silicon metasurfaces designed to convert near-infrared (1550 nm) to visible light. More than 2400-fold enhanced photon upconversion luminescence is achieved by using this metasurface instead of a planar substrate.
With the aid of optical simulations based on the finite-element method, this result is attributed to the coupling of the excitation source with metasurface resonances at appropriate incident angles. Analysis of the excitation power density dependence of upconversion luminescence and red-to-green-emission ratios enables the estimation of nanoscale near-field enhancement on the metasurface. The findings permit the significant reduction of required external excitation intensities for photon upconversion of 1550 nm light, opening perspectives in biophotonics, telecommunication, and photovoltaics.
Despite considerable advances in synthesizing high-quality core/shell upconversion (UC) nanocrystals (NC; UCNC) and UCNC photophysics, the application of near-infrared (NIR)-excitable lanthanide-doped UCNC in the life and material sciences is still hampered by the relatively low upconversion luminescence (UCL) of UCNC of small size or thin protecting shell. To obtain deeper insights into energy transfer and surface quenching processes involving Yb3+ and Er3+ ions, we examined energy loss processes in differently sized solid core NaYF4 nanocrystals doped with either Yb3+ (YbNC; 20% Yb3+) or Er3+ (ErNC; 2% Er3+) and co-doped with Yb3+ and Er3+ (YbErNC; 20% Yb3+ and 2% Er3+) without a surface protection shell and coated with a thin and a thick NaYF4 shell in comparison to single and co-doped bulk materials. Luminescence studies at 375 nm excitation demonstrate backenergy transfer (BET) from the 4G11/2 state of Er3+ to the 2F5/2 state of Yb3+, through which the red Er3+ 4F9/2 state is efficiently populated. Excitation power density (P)-dependent steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements at different excitation and emission wavelengths enable to separate surface-related and volume-related effects for two-photonic and threephotonic processes involved in UCL and indicate a different influence of surface passivation on the green and red Er3+ emission.
The intensity and lifetime of the latter respond particularly to an increase in volume of the active UCNC core. We provide a threedimensional random walk model to describe these effects that can be used in the future to predict the UCL behavior of UCNC.
Introduction. Comparing different emitter classes and rationally designing the next generation of molecular and nanoscale probes for bioimaging applications require accurate and quantitative methods for the measurement of the key parameter photoluminescence quantum yield f.1 f equals the number of emitted per number of absorbed photons. This is particularly relevant for increasingly used fluorescence imaging in the short wave-infrared region (SWIR) ≥ 900 nm providing deeper penetration depths, a better image resolution, and an improved signal-to-noise or tumor-to-background ratio.2, 3 However, spectroscopic measurements in the SWIR are more challenging and require specific calibrations and standards.
Ensemble and single particle studies of the excitation power density (P)-dependent upconversion luminescence (UCL) of core and core–shell β-NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) doped with 20% Yb3+ and 1% or 3% Er3+ performed over a P regime of 6 orders of magnitude reveal an increasing contribution of the emission from high energy Er3+ levels at P > 1 kW/cm2.
This changes the overall emission color from initially green over yellow to white. While initially the green and with increasing P the red emission dominate in ensemble measurements at P < 1 kW/cm2, the increasing population of higher Er3+ energy levels by multiphotonic processes at higher P in single particle studies results in a multitude of emission bands in the ultraviolet/visible/near infrared (UV/vis/NIR) accompanied by a decreased contribution of the red luminescence. Based upon a thorough analysis of the P-dependence of UCL, the emission bands activated at high P were grouped and assigned to 2–3, 3–4, and 4 photonic processes involving energy transfer (ET), excited-state absorption (ESA), cross-relaxation (CR), back energy transfer (BET), and non-radiative relaxation processes (nRP). This underlines the P-tunability of UCNP brightness and color and highlights the potential of P-dependent measurements for mechanistic studies required to manifest the population pathways of the different Er3+ levels.
Lanthanide-doped NaYF4 upconversion nano- and microcrystals were synthesized via a facile solvothermal approach. Thereby, the influence of volume ratios of ethylene glycol (EG)/H2O, molar ratios of NH4F/RE3+ (RE3+ represents the total amount of Y3+ and rare-earth dopant ions), Gd3+ ion contents, types of activator dopant ions, and different organic co-solvents on the crystal phase, size, and morphology of the resulting particles were studied systematically. A possible formation mechanism for the growth of crystals of different morphology is discussed. Our results show that the transition from the α- to the β-phase mainly depends on the volume ratio of EG/H2O and the molar ratio of NH4F/RE3+, while the morphology and size could be controlled by the type of organic co-solvent and Gd3+ dopant ions. Furthermore, the reaction time has to be long enough to convert α-NaYF4 into β-NaYF4 during the growth process to optimize the upconversion luminescence. The formation of larger β-NaYF4 crystals, which possess a higher upconversion luminescence than smaller particles, proceeds via intermediates of smaller crystals of cubic structure. In summary, our synthetic approach presents a facile route to tailor the size, Crystal phase, morphology, and luminescence features of upconversion
materials.
Für die Rückführung von aus Rückbauprojekten anfallender künstlicher Mineralwolle in ihren Herstellungsprozess ist es notwendig, Stein- und Glaswolle zu unterscheiden und voneinander getrennt zu halten. Zu diesem Zweck wurde das Potential von NIR-Spektroskopie (NIRS) für einen werks- oder baustellenseitigen Einsatz getestet. NIRS wird aufgrund kurzer Messzeiten, minimaler Probenvorbereitung und hoher Robustheit der Spektrometer häufig in der Prozessanalytik eingesetzt. Untersucht wurden 70 verschiedene Mineralwollen, wobei sich der Probenumfang sowohl aus werksneuen Proben mit Herstellerangaben als auch unbekannten Proben ohne Spezifikation zusammensetzen, die auf verschiedenen Baustellen in den Jahren 2016–2017 entnommen oder von Deponien zur Verfügung gestellt worden waren. Als Referenzmethode wurde die Röntgenfluoreszenzanalyse verwendet, um den Mineralwolle-Typ über den Elementgehalt nach VDI 3492 zu identifizieren. Mit Hilfe eines multivariaten Datenanalyseverfahrens konnte schließlich eine Methode etabliert werden, die eine zuverlässige Identifikation von unbekannten Mineralwollen anhand deren NIR-Spektren als Stein- bzw. Glaswolle ermöglicht.
Künstliche Mineralfasern (KMF) werden weltweit in vielfältiger Weise als Dämmstoffe verwendet. Jährlich fallen in Deutschland ungefähr 20 Millionen Tonnen KMF an, die nach dem Abriss auf Deponien entsorgt werden müssen. Grundsätzlich besteht jedoch die Möglichkeit der Rückführung dieser Materialien in den Produktionsprozess. Dafür ist es notwendig, anfallende KMF sowohl nach Material (Glaswolle, Steinwolle) als auch nach Alter zu sortieren.
Auf der Suche nach einer Methode, die es grundsätzlich gestattet eine schnelle Untersuchung vor Ort auf einer Baustelle durchzuführen, wurde die Nah-Infrarot (NIR) Spektroskopie unter Verwendung eines Prozessspektrometers mit Reflexionssonde getestet. Anhand von Laboruntersuchungen an 70 KMF Proben, die entweder betriebsneu waren oder bundesweit auf Baustellen gesammelt wurden, konnte eine NIR-basierte Methode zur Unterscheidung in Glas- und Steinwolle entwickelt werden. Mittels Partial Least Square Diskriminanzanalyse (PLS-DA) der NIR Spektren wurde basierend auf 40 zufällig ausgewählten Proben ein chemometrisches Modell kalibriert, das erfolgreich zur Klassifizierung der verbleibenden 30 Proben eingesetzt werden konnte. Unabhängig von Farbe, Dichte oder Alter der untersuchten KMF Proben war es möglich, eine 100% korrekte Zuordnung des Materials zu erzielen. Die nötigen Referenzwerte wurden unter Nutzung eines Röntgenfluoreszenzspektroskopischen Verfahrens über den Elementgehalt nach VDI 3492 ermittelt.
Insgesamt ist der experimentelle Aufwand für die Durchführung und Auswertung der NIR Messungen gering und manifestiert sich vor allem in der Kalibrierphase, die in diesem Fall die Untersuchung von 8-fach aliquotierten Probestücken der 70 KMF umfasste. Nur bei deutlich feuchtem Material muss ein zusätzlicher Trocknungs-schritt berücksichtigt werden. Das vorgestellte Verfahren wurde nachfolgend zu einem Patent angemeldet. Untersuchungen zu einer weiteren Unterscheidung der KMF nach Alter sind geplant.
Photonen-Aufkonvertierung in hetero-oligonuklearen, Metallkomplex-Architekturen mit organischen Liganden ist ein interessantes, aber bisher selten beobachtetes Phänomen, trotz des großen Potentials sowohl aus Sicht der Grundlagenforschung als auch aus der Anwendungsperspektive. Nun wurde ein neues photonisches Material aus molekularen Chrom(III)- und Ytterbium(III)-Komplexionen entwickelt.
Dieses zeigt im Festkörper bei Raumtemperatur abhängig von der Anregungsleistungsdichte nach Anregung des 2F7/2! 2F5/2-3berganges des Ytterbiums bei ca. 980 nm eine kooperative Sensibilisierung der Chrom(III)-zentrierten 2E/2T1-Phosphoreszenz bei ca. 775 nm. Der Aufkonvertierungsprozess ist unempfindlich gegenüber Luftsauerstoff und kann in Gegenwart von Wassermolekülen im Kristallgitter beobachtet werden.
We developed a procedure to prepare luminescent LiYF4:Yb/LiYF4 and LiYF4:Yb,Er/LiYF4 core/shell nanocrystals with a size of approximately 40 nm revealing luminescence decay times of the dopant ions that approach those of high-quality laser crystals of LiYF4:Yb (Yb:YLF) and LiYF4:Yb,Er (Yb,Er:YLF) with identical doping concentrations. As the luminescence decay times of Yb3+ and Er3+ are known to be very sensitive to the presence of quenchers, the long decay times of the core/shell nanocrystals indicate a very low number of defects in the core particles and at the core/shell interfaces. This improvement in the performance was achieved by introducing two important modifications in the commonly used oleic acid based synthesis. First, the shell was prepared via anewly developed method characterized by a very low nucleation rate for particles of pure LiYF4 shell material. Second, anhydrous acetates were used as precursors and additional drying steps were applied to reduce the incorporation of OH− in the crystal lattice, known to quench the emission of Yb3+ ions. Excitation power density (P)-dependent absolute measurements of the upconversion luminescence quantum yield (Φ,UC) of LiYF4:Yb,Er/LiYF4 core/shell particles reveal a maximum value of 1.25% at P of 180 W·cm−2.
Although lower than the values reported for NaYF4:18%Yb,2%Er core/shell nanocrystals with comparable sizes, these Φ, UC values are the highest reported so far for LiYF4:18%Yb,2%Er/LiYF4 nanocrystals without additional dopants. Further improvements May nevertheless be possible by optimizing the dopant concentrations in the LiYF4 nanocrystals.
The increasing enrichment of water bodies and soils with plastic waste leads to the accumulation of microscopic plastic particles, so-called microplastics (MP). There is an urgent need for analytical methods that help to identify and quantify MP. At present, mainly thermo-analytical and microscopic methods such as micro-infrared spectroscopy or micro-Raman are used for this purpose. The latter are usually tied to time-consuming sample enrichment and preparation, only small sample quantities (micrograms) can be examined and the evaluation of the obtained spectra can be demanding. In the context of this presentation, two approaches are presented which, via the multi-variate analysis of spectroscopic data, allow i) a new methodological approach to screening MP in contaminated soils and ii) an alternative evaluation of large (micro)-spectroscopic data sets.
First, a NIR spectroscopic method is presented which allows MP consisting of polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene and polystyrene to be detected in the range of up to 0.5 mass percent. Due to short measurement times and robust technology, this approach has the potential, in contrast to thermo-analytical and micro-spectroscopic methods, to examine larger sample quantities with minimal pre-treatment.
The second approach deals with the evaluation of large data sets, as typically obtained as a result of micro-FTIR using modern FPA detectors. The micro-FTIR technique is based on the spectral recording, imaging and subsequent identification of vibration bands typical of synthetic polymers. The image data sets are large and contain spectra of numerous particles of natural and synthetic origin. Exploratory multivariate data analysis has been tested to complement existing approaches based on e.g. spectrum library searches. The core concept used was dimensionality reduction. The results not only represent an orthogonal method for checking the results obtained by an automated library search, but also revealed a group of spectra that were not recorded in the existing spectrum libraries.
Light-induced NO release based on exogenous NO donors has attracted substantial attention in clinical applications; the induction light source usually converts near-infrared light to blue or ultraviolet light.
However, the low efficiency of near-infrared light-assisted chemical light energy conversion remains a challenge, especially for NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ photoconverting near-infrared light to ultraviolet (UV) and blue light. In this paper, a luminescence-enhanced strategy is reported by doping Ca2+ into NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ and coating it with NaGdF4 through a two-step solvothermal method. Then, UCNPs modified with methyl-b-cyclodextrin (M-b-CD) are loaded on a ruthenium nitrosyl complex [(3)Ru(NO)(Cl)] as nitric oxide release-molecules (NORMs). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) data demonstrated that Ca2+ was successfully doped into NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ nanoparticles as the core, and a pure hexagonal phase, NaYF4, was obtained from the doping of Ca2+. TEM revealed that the crystallinity was significantly improved after Ca2+ doping, and the core–shell structure was successfully synthesized, with NaGdF4 directionally grown on the NaYF4:Ca/Yb/Tm core. Fluorescence tests showed that, especially in the ultraviolet and blue light excitation wavelength regions, the UC emission intensity of the Ca-doped NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+@NaGdF4 core–shell UCNPs increased by 302.95 times vs. NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ UCNPs. Finally, the release of NO was tested by the Griess method. Under 980 nm irradiation, the cell viability distinctly decreased with increasing UCNPs@M-b-CD-NORMs concentration. This study Shows that NORM release of NO is triggered by enhanced up-converted UV and blue light, which can be used for the development of UV photo-sensitive drugs.
Upconversion photoluminescence in hetero-oligonuclear metal complex architectures featuring organic ligands is an interesting but still rarely observed phenomenon, despite its great potential from a basic research and application perspective. In this context, a new photonic material consisting of molecular chromium(III) and ytterbium(III) complex Ions was developed that exhibits excitation-power density-dependent cooperative sensitization of the chromium-centered 2E/2T1 phosphorescence at approximately 775 nm after excitation of the ytterbium band 2F7/2!2F5/2 at approximately 980 nm in the solid state at ambient temperature. The upconversion process is insensitive to atmospheric oxygen and can be observed in the presence of water molecules in the crystal lattice.
We present here the design and characterization of a set of spectral calibration beads. These calibration beads are intended for the determination and regular control of the spectral characteristics of fluorescence microscopes and other fluorescence measuring devices for the readout of bead-based assays. This set consists of micrometer-sized polymer beads loaded with dyes from the liquid Calibration Kit Spectral Fluorescence Standards developed and certified by BAM for the wavelength-dependent Determination of the spectral responsivity of fluorescencemeasuring devices like spectrofluorometers. To cover the wavelength Region from 400 to 800 nm, two new near-infrared emissive dyes were included, which were spectroscopically characterized in solution and encapsulated in the beads. The resulting set of beads presents the first step towards a new platform of spectral calibration beads for the determination of the spectral characteristics of fluorescence instruments like fluorescence microscopes, FCM setups, and microtiter plate readers, thereby meeting the increasing demand for reliable and comparable fluorescence data especially in strongly regulated areas, e.g., medical diagnostics. This will eventually provide the basis for standardized calibration procedures for imaging systems as an alternative to microchannel slides containing dye solutions previously reported by us.
We synthesized a generation of water-soluble, atomically precise gold nanoclusters (Au NCs) with anisotropic Surface containing a short dithiol pegylated chain (AuMHA/TDT). The AuMHA/TDT exhibit a high brightness (QY ∼ 6%) in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) spectrum with a detection above 1250 nm.
Furthermore, they show an extended half-life in blood (t1/2ß = 19.54 ± 0.05 h) and a very weak accumulation in organs. We also developed a non-invasive, whole-body vascular imaging system in the SWIR window with high-resolution, benefiting from a series of Monte Carlo image processing. The imaging process enabled to improve contrast by 1 order of magnitude and enhance the spatial Resolution by 59%. After systemic administration of these nanoprobes in mice, we can quantify vessel complexity in depth (>4 mm), allowing to detect very subtle vascular disorders non-invasively in bone morphogenetic protein 9 (Bmp9)-deficient mice. The combination of these anisotropic surface charged Au NCs plus an improved SWIR imaging device allows a precise mapping at high-resolution and an in depth understanding of the organization of the vascular network in live animals.
A systematic study of the luminescence properties of monodisperse β-NaYF4: 20% Yb3+, 2% Er3+ upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with sizes ranging from 12–43 nm is presented utilizing steady-state and time-resolved fluorometry.
Special emphasis was dedicated to the absolute quantification of size- and environment-induced quenching of upconversion luminescence (UCL) by highenergy O–H and C–H vibrations from solvent and ligand molecules at different excitation power densities (P). In this context, the still-debated Population pathways of the 4F9/2 energy level of Er3+ were examined. Our results highlight the potential of particle size and P value for color tuning based on the pronounced near-infrared emission of 12 nm UCNPs, which outweighs the red Er3+ emission under “strongly quenched” conditions and accounts for over 50% of total UCL in water. Because current rate equation models do not include such emissions, the suitability of these models for accurately simulating all (de)population pathways of small UCNPs must be critically assessed. Furthermore, we postulate population pathways for the 4F9/2 energy level of Er3+, which correlate with the size-, environment-, and P-dependent quenching states of the higher Er3+ energy levels.
In summary, by combining the NIR-emissive [Cr(ddpd)2][BPh4]3 complex CrBPh4 with its extremely large energy gap between the longest wavelength absorption and emission maxima with a pH-responsive fluorescein derivative (FITC) and an inert reference dye like Nile Red (NR) and 5,10,15,20tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin (TFPP), we developed nanosensors for simultaneously sensing temperature, O2 partial pressure, and pH. These novel TOP nanosensors (temperature, oxygen, pH) cover the biologically and physiologically relevant concentration ranges of these parameters/analytes with single wavelength excitation in PBS buffer and in a cell culture medium containing bovine serum albumin (BSA). The response of both nanosensors to all parameters is fully reversible and only minimally affected by the presence of BSA, the most common serum albumin. Moreover, comparative studies with nanosensors containing only a single type of stimuli-responsive molecule and with the respective molecular systems revealed that the different sensor components do not interfere with each other. Future research will include the testing of these nanosensors in cellular uptake studies and, after surface modification with targeted bioligands, eventually in in vivo experiments as previously done by some of us with other polystyrene nanoparticle reporters and nanosensors.46,47 Moreover, this concept of multianalyte sensing will be expanded to nanosensors derived from differently sized premanufactured biocompatible polymer particles and different stimuli-responsive dyes like fluorescent indicators for biologically and bioanalytically relevant metal ions.
The comparison of different emitter classes and the rational design of the next generation of molecular and nanoscale reporters require accurate and quantitative photo-luminescence measurements. This is of special importance for all photoluminescence applications in the life and material sciences and nanobiophotonics. In the following, procedures for the determination of the spectroscopic key parameter photoluminescence quantum yield, i.e., the number of emitted per absorbed photons, in the UV/vis/NIR/SWIR are presented including pitfalls and achievable uncertainties and material-specific effects related to certain emitter classes are addressed.
Luminescent nanocrystals like core/shell semiconductor quantum dots and lanthanide doped nanophosphors as well as gold nanoclusters with emission in the visible (vis) and particularly in the near infrared (NIR) and short wavelength infrared (SWIR) region have been increasingly used as reporters in the life sciences and for bioimaging studies in the last years. This has led to sophisticated core-shell particle architectures of different chemical composition utilizing semiconductor quantum dots and lanthanide-based nanocrystals and initiated the design of gold nanoclusters with different ligands. In addition, this led to an increasing number of quantitative spectroscopic studies focusing on the key performance parameter photoluminescence quantum yield to identify optimum particle structures. In the following, an overview of different classes of nanocrystalline emitters and their photophysics is provided and examples for the absolute characterization of the photoluminescence properties of these different vis/NIR/SWIR emitters are shown including excitation power density-dependent studies on the ensemble and single particle level. Also, the impact of such measurements on a profound mechanistic understanding of the underlying nonradiative deactivation pathways is highlighted as required for reporter design.
Photoluminescence applications in the life and material sciences require bright molecular and nanocrystalline emitters, stimuli-responsive optical probes, signal enhancement, multiplexing, and barcoding strategies and traceable methods to quantify the signal-relevant optical properties of luminescent materials at the ensemble and single molecule/particle level. In this context, current research at Division Biophotonics of BAM is presented ranging from dye and nanocrystal photophysics, absolute measurements of photoluminescence quantum yields in the UV/vis/NIR/SWIR, lifetime multiplexing, and the development of different types of fluorescence standards for validating optical-spectroscopic measurements.
We present a comprehensive investigation of the magnetic and optical properties of an ytterbium complex, which combines two desirable and practical features into a single molecular system. Based upon YbIII Ions that promote near-infrared optical activity and a chemical backbone that is ideal for an in-depth understanding of the magnetic behaviour, we have designed a multifunctional opto-magnetic species that operates as a luminescent thermometer and as a single-molecule magnet (SMM). Our magnetic investigations, in conjunction with ab initio calculations, reveal one of the highest energy barriers reported for an YbIII-based complex. Moreover, we correlate this anisotropic barrier with the Emission spectrum of the compound, wherein we provide a complete assignment of the energetic profile of the complex. Such studies lay the foundation for the design of exciting multi-faceted materials that are able to retain information at the single-molecule level and possess built-in thermal self-monitoring capabilities.
The rational synthesis and use of nanomaterials require the characterization of many different properties, ranging from particle size and size distribution over surface chemistry to more applicationrelevant features like optical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties. In the following, several methods for the characterization of functional groups on nanomaterials, like polymer and silica nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots, and lanthanide-based upconversion nanocrystals are presented. Additionally, procedures for the measurement of the key spectroscopic performance parameters of nanomaterials with linear and nonlinear photoluminescence, such as the photoluminescence quantum yield, are presented for the UV/vis/NIR/SWIR.
Yb,Nd,Er-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted considerable interest as luminescent reporters for bioimaging, sensing, energy conversion/shaping, and anticounterfeiting due to their capability to convert multiple near-infrared (NIR) photons into shorter wavelength ultraviolet, visible or NIR luminescence by successive absorption of two or more NIR photons. This enables optical measurements in complex media with very little background and high penetration depths for bioimaging. The use of Nd3+ as substitute for the commonly employed sensitizer Yb3+ or in combination with Yb3+ shifts the excitation wavelength from about 980 nm, where the absorption of water can weaken upconversion luminescence, to about 800 nm, and laser-induced local overheating effects in cells, tissue, and live animal studies can be minimized. To systematically investigate the potential of Nd3+ doping, we assessed the performance of a set of similarly sized Yb3+,Nd3+,Er3+-doped core- and core–shell UCNPs of different particle architecture in water at broadly varied excitation power densities (P) with steady state and time-resolved fluorometry for excitation at 980 nm and 808 nm. As a measure for UCNPs performance, the P-dependent upconversion quantum yield (Φ) and its saturation behavior were used as well as particle brightness (B). Based upon spectroscopic measurements at both excitation wavelengths in water and in a lipid phantom and B-based calculations of signal size at different penetration depths, conditions under which excitation at 808 nm is advantageous are derived and parameters for the further optimization of triple-doped UCNPs are given.
Two nanosensors for simultaneous optical measurements of temperature (“T”), oxygen (“O”), and pH (“P”) have been designed. These “TOP” nanosensors are based on 100 nm-sized silica-coated polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) doped with the near infrared emissive oxygen- and temperature-sensitive chromium(III) complex ([Cr(ddpd)2][BPh4]3 CrBPh4)[1][2] and an inert reference fluorescence dye (Nile Red NR or 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin TFPP) and are covalently labeled with the pH-sensitive fluorophore fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). These emitters can be excited at the same wavelength and reveal distinguishable emission spectra suitable for ratiometric intensity-based and time-resolved studies in the visible and near infrared spectral region. The core-shell nanostructure of these sensors reveals high colloidal stability in various aqueous media. Studies in PBS buffer solutions and in a model body liquid demonstrate the applicability of the TOP nanosensors for optically detecting the three bioanalytically and biologically relevant analytes temperature, oxygen and pH simultaneously at the same position.
Two nanosensors for simultaneous optical measurements of temperature (“T”), oxygen (“O”), and pH (“P”) have been designed. These “TOP” nanosensors are based on 100 nm-sized silica-coated polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) doped with the near infrared emissive oxygen- and temperature-sensitive chromium(III) complex ([Cr(ddpd)2][BPh4]3 CrBPh4)[1][2] and an inert reference fluorescence dye (Nile Red NR or 5,10,15,20tetrakis-(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin TFPP) and are covalently labeled with the pHsensitive fluorophore fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). These emitters can be excited at the same wavelength and reveal distinguishable emission spectra suitable for ratiometric intensity-based and time-resolved studies in the visible and near infrared spectral region. The core-shell nanostructure of these sensors reveals high colloidal stability in various aqueous media. Studies in PBS buffer solutions and in a model body liquid demonstrate the applicability of the TOP nanosensors for optically detecting the three bioanalytically and biologically relevant analytes temperature, oxygen and pH simultaneously at the same position.
Two nanosensors for simultaneous optical measurements of the bioanalytically and biologically relevant analytes temperature (“T”), oxygen (“O”), and pH (“P”) have been designed. These “TOP” nanosensors are based on 100 nmsized silica-coated polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) doped with a near-infrared emissive oxygen- and temperature-sensitive chromium(III) complex ([Cr(ddpd)2][BPh4]3, CrBPh4) and an inert reference dye (Nile Red, NR or 5,10,15,20tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin, TFPP) and are covalently labeled with pHsensitive fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). These emitters can be excited at the same wavelength and reveal spectrally distinguishable emission bands, allowing for ratiometric intensity-based and time-resolved studies in the visible and near-infrared wavelength region. Studies in PBS buffer solutions and in a model body liquid demonstrate the applicability of these nanosensors for the sensitive luminescence readout of TOP simultaneously at the same spatialposition.
Correlating the photoluminescence (PL) properties of nanomaterials like semiconductor nanocrystals (QDs) and upconversion nanocrystals (UCNPs) assessed in ensemble studies and at the single particle level is increasingly relevant for applications of these nanomaterials in the life sciences like bioimaging studies or their use as reporters in microfluidic assays. Here we present a comparison of the spectroscopic properties of ensembles and single emitters for QDs like II/VI QDs and cadmium-free AIS/ZnS QDs as well as different UCNPs. The overall goal of this study was to derive particle architectures well suited for spectroscopic and microscopic applications.
Relative and Absolute Methods for Measuring Photoluminescence Quantum Yields of UV/vis/NIR Emitters
(2019)
One of the key spectroscopic performance parameters of molecular and particulate emitters is the photoluminescence quantum yield (PL QY) that provides a direct measure for the number of emitted per absorbed photons. This triggered the interest in methods suitable for measuring this property for emitters in various environments in the UV/vis/NIR and above 1000 nm as well as on the ensemble and single emitter level. Moreover, for nonlinear emitters like lanthanide-based upconversion nanocrystals methods including instrumentation for power density-dependent PL QY studies are required.
An overview of the research activities in Division Biophotonics of BAM is given and suitable relative and absolute methods for the deter-mination of PL QY of organic dyes and different types of application-relevant nanomaterials in dispersion and in the solid state are presen-ted. This covers also the design and calibration of integrating sphere setups, achievable uncertainties, and candidates for PL QY reference materials.
Biophotonics and analytics - Photoluminescence properties of nanocrystals and surface group analysis
(2018)
Correlating the photoluminescence (PL) properties of nanomaterials like semiconductor nanocrystals (QDs) and upconversion nanocrystals (UCNPs) assessed in ensemble studies and at the single particle level and studying their surface chemistry is increasingly relevant for applications of these nanomaterials in the life and material sciences. Here we present a comparison of the spectroscopic properties of ensembles and single nanocrystalline emitters and simple methods for the quantification of functional groups and ligands on particle surfaces. The overall goal of this study was to derive particle architectures and surface chemistries well suited for spectroscopic and microscopic applications.
Tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)arsane (1) is introduced as a low-cost and convenient to handle arsenic precursor for the straight Forward synthesis of InAs Quantum dots (QDs). Transamination of 1 with the solvent oleylamine (OLAH) gives trioleylarsane (As(OLA)3) which in the presence of the reducing agents diisobutylaluminum hydride (DIBAL-H) or trioleylphosphane (P(OLA)3) yields InAs QDs via a typical hot injection approach. The size of the obtained InAs core QDs are tuned by varying the reaction time, the amount of the applied reducing agent, or even more effectively by changing the Indium and/or zinc halide precursors, InX3, and ZnX2 (Cl, Br, or I). Passivation of the resulting InAs particles with a
protective ZnS or ZnSe shell results in improved photoluminescence of the core/shell QDs covering a spectral range between 600 and 1150 nm.
Ziele und Durchführung eines geplanten Ringversuchs zur Untersuchung eines Dreikomponentensystems mittels NIR werden vorgestellt. Der Vortrag enthält einen kurzen Rückblick auf einen 2014 durchgeführten Ringversuch, wobei ein flüssiges Zweikomponentensystem untersucht wurde. Im Anschluss erfolgt die Erläuterung der verwendeten Komponenten, es werden Teilnahmebedingungen und mögliche Zeiträume bekannt gegeben.
The increasing interest in molecular and nanoscale emitters with photoluminescence > 800 nm and recently also > 1000 nm for bioanalysis, medical diagnostics, bioimaging, and safety Barcodes requires quantitative spectroscopic studies, which are, however still challenging in this long wavelength region. This is of special relevance for nanocrystalline emitters like semiconductor quantum dots and rods as well as lanthanide-based upconversion and downconversion nanocrystals, where surface states and the accessibility of emissive states by quenchers largely control accomplishable photoluminescence quantum yields and hence, signal sizes and detection sensitivities from the reporter side. Moreover, nonlinear emitters like lanthanide-based upconversion nanocrystals require also power density-dependent studies of their luminescence spectra, quantum yields, and decay kinetics. Here, we present suitable absolute methods and underline the impact of such measurements on a profound mechanistic understanding of the nonradiative deactivation pathways in semiconductor and upconversion nanocrystals of different chemical composition and particle architecture.
Common approaches to improve the optical properties of semiconductor quantum dots and lanthanide doped nanophosphors present core/shell structures as radiationless deactivation at the particle surface is usually the main energy loss mechanism. This has led to increasingly sophisticated particle architectures using multishell systems with shells of different chemical composition and thickness and initiated an increasing number of quantitative spectroscopic studies focusing on the key performance parameter photoluminescence quantum yield to identify optimum particle structures. This is particularly challenging in the long wavelength region > 1000 nm and for nonlinear emitters like upconversion nanocrystals. Here, we present suitable absolute methods to quantify the photoluminescence of these different emitters in the vis/NIR/IR and as function of excitation power density and underline the impact of such measurements on a profound mechanistic understanding of the nonradiative deactivation pathways in semiconductor and upconversion nanocrystals of different size and particle architecture in different environments.