Enhanced up-conversion luminescence of Er3+:LaOF oxyfluoride borosilicate glass ceramics

Er3+-doped transparent oxyfluoride borosilicate glass ceramics containing LaOF nanocrystals have been obtained by the high temperature melt-quenching and subsequent heat treatment method. The formation of LaOF nanocrystals in the glass matrix was confirmed by XRD and TEM results. In comparison with the precursor glass, Er3+-doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing LaOF nanocrystals exhibited efficient up-conversion luminescence. Especially, the green emission intensity was greatly enhanced about nearly 200 times and its up-conversion mechanism can be ascribed to a two-photon absorption process.