Enhanced ~ 2 μm and upconversion emission from Ho–Yb codoped oxyfluoride glass ceramics

Abstract

Enhanced 2μm and upconversion emission from Ho3+–Yb3+ codoped oxyfluoride silicate glass ceramics containing nanocrystals Ba2YbF7 was demonstrated. Ho3+–Yb3+ codoped oxyfluoride silicate glass and glass ceramics containing nanocrystals Ba2YbF7 were fabricated. Fluoride nanocrystals Ba2YbF7 were successfully precipitated in glass matrix, which was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometer results. 2μm and upconversion emissions were obtained from these glass examples under 980nm excitation. Compared with the precursor glass, enhanced 2μm and upconversion luminescence was measured in the glass ceramics, which were due to scattering by the formed nanocrystals, lower phonon energy obtained in the nanocrystals and efficient Yb3+–Ho3+ interionic interactions. Therefore, the material investigated in this study could find potential application in 2μm laser gain media or upconversion light material.