Objective This proposal seeks to demonstrate and understand a new class of materials for up-converting infrared (IR) radiation into the visible range through linear radiation-matter interactions, exploiting the optical and electronic properties of trivalent rare-earth ions and organic-based light harvesting compounds.It is known that materials doped with lanthanide ions are capable of combining low energy excitations into higher states via excited state absorptions and energy transfer, resulting in visible or UV emission upon IR excitation. However, the primary absorptions are partially forbidden, which results in a low performance or the requirement of relatively high exciting power. Our aim is to exploit the fact that organic chromophores can have very high absorption coefficients, several orders of magnitude greater than the lanthanide ions, and can act as primary sensitizers by transferring the excitation to them, thus providing an effective increase in absorption and hence, in up-conversion. Following recent discoveries on the nature of the organics to be employed towards this end, we will pursue a twofold strategy. On one hand we will study up-converting organolanthanide polymers incorporating IR chromophores and on the other hand, hybrids based on well known, efficient lanthanide-doped inorganics in combination with IR absorbing organic dyes. The inclusion of chromophore-containing dyes will be done though chemical methods during the synthesis or via coating of nanostructures to exploit inter-molecular and inter-domain energy transfer. We will aim at design rules through opto-structural correlations derived by spectroscopic and characterization experiments at ambient and high pressure of the un-sensitized and sensitized materials.The study and approach are expected to impact on the multidisciplinary Material Science community due to the applications in optical and solar cell technologies as well as Biology due to potential uses in labeling and therapy. Fields of science natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciencesengineering and technologymaterials engineeringcoating and filmsmedical and health sciencesmedical biotechnologycells technologies Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG - Marie-Curie Action: "Career Integration Grants" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2011-CIG See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-CIG - Support for training and career development of researcher (CIG) Coordinator UNIVERSIDAD DE CANTABRIA EU contribution € 100 000,00 Address AVENIDA DE LOS CASTROS S/N 39005 Santander Spain See on map Region Noroeste Cantabria Cantabria Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Juan José San Miguel Roncero (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data