Integrated broadband near-infrared luminescence in transparent glass ceramics containing γ-Ga2O3: Ni2+ and β-YF3: Er3+ nanocrystals

Ni2+/Er3+ dual-doped transparent glass ceramic containing γ-Ga2O3 and β-YF3 nanocrystals is prepared by melt quenching and subsequent heating. It is experimentally demonstrated that Ni2+ and Er3+ are partitioned into γ-Ga2O3 and β-YF3 nanocrystals, respectively, which greatly reduces the adverse energy transfer between them. Accordingly, an integrated broad near-infrared emission band in the wavelength region of 1020–1650 nm, consisting of Ni2+: 3T2(F) → 3A2(F) emission around 1220 nm and Er3+: 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 emission around 1540 nm, is observed under 980 nm excitation. Compared to that in the Ni2+/Er3+ dual-doped glass ceramic containing γ-Ga2O3 and LaF3 nanocrystals, the integrated near-infrared emission intensity in the present sample is increased by two times, ascribing to the higher Er3+ solubility in β-YF3 crystallites.

► Transparent glass ceramics containing Ga2O3 and YF3 nanocrystals are prepared.
► Ni2+ and Er3+ are partitioned into γ-Ga2O3 and β-YF3 nanocrystals, respectively.
► The energy transfer between Ni2+ and Er3+ is manipulated by spatial isolation.
► An integrated broad near-infrared emission band (1020–1650 nm) is obtained.