Intense 2.7 μm mid-infrared emission of Er3+ in oxyfluoride glass ceramic containing NaYF4 nanocrystals

• Transparent oxyfluoride glass-ceramics containing NaYF4:Er3+ nanocrystals have been prepared.
• Intense 2.7 μm emission of the glass-ceramics has been demonstrated.
• Prolonged decay lifetimes of Er3+:4I11/2 and 4I13/2 levels have been achieved.

Transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing NaYF4:Er3+ nanocrystals have been prepared by melt quenching and subsequent thermal treatment. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed the precipitation of NaYF4 nanocrystals in glass. Energy dispersive spectrometer results evidenced the preferential concentration of Er3+ ions in nanocrystals. Mid-infrared, upconversion, and near-infrared emissions were measured upon excitation with 980 nm laser diode and the luminescence mechanisms were discussed. Intense 2.7 μm emission originating from the Er3+:4I11/2 → 4I13/2 transition was achieved due to the incorporation of Er3+ ions into the precipitated low phonon energy fluoride nanocrystals. The results indicate that oxyfluoride glass ceramic containing NaYF4:Er3+ nanocrystals is a promising candidate material for 2.7 μm laser.

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