Enhanced emission and spectroscopic properties in oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing LaOF:Er^3+ nanocrystals

Abstract

Transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics (GCs) containing LaOF:Er3+ nanocrystals were synthesized. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectra and transmission electron microscope (TEM) confirmed the formation of LaOF nanocrystals in glass matrix. Energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) results and Judd–Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters demonstrated the incorporation of Er3+ into LaOF nanocrystals. Enhanced 2.7 μm emission was achieved upon excitation with a 980 nm laser diode (LD). Upconversion, near-infrared emissions, and energy transfer mechanisms were studied to elucidate 2.7 μm emission behaviors. The enhanced 2.7 μm emission is most likely ascribed to the incorporation of Er3+ ions into the low phonon energy LaOF nanocrystals. The excellent optical properties of this GC material indicate that it is a promising candidate for mid-infrared fiber lasers.