Enhanced photoluminescence and structure of Dy3+-doped SrBi2Ta2O9-containing transparent glass-ceramics

• Dy3+:SBT glass-ceramics in a novel composition was prepared by melt-quenched method.
• Dy3+-doped SBT glass-ceramics exhibited superior photoluminescence.
• Hexagonal SBT nanorods were formed in the glass matrix.
• Obtained better hardness in glass-ceramics due to cross-linked nanorods.
• Material could be used for solid-state laser applications.

Trivalent dysprosium (Dy3+)-doped precursor glass in the K2O–SiO2–SrO–Bi2O3–Ta2O5 (KSSBT) system have been prepared by melt-quench technique and strontium bismuth tantalate, SrBi2Ta2O9 (SBT) glass-ceramics has been synthesized by a controlled crystallization process of the precursor glass. With progression of heat-treatment it is observed that Dy3+:glass exhibit a blue emission at 486 nm (4F9/2 → 6H15/2) and also a bright fluorescent yellow emission at 576 nm (4F9/2 → 6H13/2) have been observed with λex = 455 nm (6H15/2 → 4I15/2). These spectra reveal that the Dy3+ ions are gradually entering into the SBT nanocrystals of the glass-ceramics. The photoluminescence characteristics originating from Dy3+-doping in nanocrystalline SBT reveals the dependence of the luminescent intensity on heat-treatment time. Their structural properties have also been evaluated by FTIR spectroscopic and microstructural studies. Such luminescent glass-ceramics are expected to find potential applications such as solid-state yellow lasers and optical display systems.