From Sm3+:La2O3-ZnO-Na2O-TeO2 glasses to transparent glass ceramics containing ZnTeO3 and La2Te4O11 nanocrystals - Influence of the heat treatment on crystal growth and fluorescence properties

The paper presents the synthesis and spectroscopic properties of Sm3+-doped transparent TeO2-based glass ceramics containing ZnTeO3 and La2Te4O11 nanocrystals. The impact of heat treatment is presented and discussed. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope results demonstrate that nanocrystals are precipitated homogenously among the glass matrix. Excitation in the 6P3/2 bands of Sm3+ produces a strong orange and red emission from the 4G5/2 level. The results show noticeable differences between glass precursor, bulk and nanocrystalline Sm3+:La2Te4O11 in luminescence experimental data.