Judd–Ofelt analysis and upconversion emission of Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing LaF3 nanocrystals

Abstract

Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped glasses and glass ceramics containing LaF3 nanocrystals were prepared and their absorption spectra obtained. The Judd–Ofelt parameters Ω t (t = 2, 4, 6) for f–f transition of Er3+, as well as spontaneous emission probabilities, branching ratios and radiative lifetimes for stimulated emission of each band were determined. Addition of Er3+ and Yb3+ ions into low-phonon energy LaF3 nanocrystals makes the upconversion emission of Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped glass ceramic much stronger than that of Er3+–Yb3+ co-doped glass.