Published online by Cambridge University Press: 01 February 2011
Yb3+ doped Y3Al5O12 (YAG:Yb3+) nanoparticles are prepared from yttrium acetate tetrahydrate, ytterbium acetate tetrahydrate and aluminum isopropoxide in 1,4-butanediol by autoclave treatment at 300 °C for 2 h. Moreover, Gd-YAG:Yb3+ nanoparticles are prepared from the mixture of YAG:Yb3+ colloidal solution and gadolinium acetate tetrahydrate by the same autoclave treatment as YAG:Yb3+. Properties of structure, near infrared photoluminescence and magnetic resonance contrast enhancement are characterized for as-prepared and calcined YAG:Yb3+ and Gd-YAG:Yb3+ nanoparticles.