High efficiency up- and down-converting infrared nanoparticles

ABSTRACT: This Phase II proposal will capitalize on the success of Phase I to further develop stable and optically efficient fluorescent particles that absorb and emit light in the infrared part of the spectrum and lack any visible light emissions. The specific goals of Phase II will be to further research infrared nanoparticles to increase their brightness with an emphasis on production scalability, environmental stability, and safety. BENEFIT: The proposed research will be used in by the military and in the intelligence community and to covertly tag and track assets, identify friend or foe, visualize disturbed soil in perimeter security, etc. The commercial utilization of the nanoparticles are biomedical applications including in-vivo labeling and imaging.