Enhanced upconversion in Ho3+-doped transparent glass ceramics containing BaYbF5 nanocrystals

Novel Ho3+-doped transparent oxyfluoride SiO2-Al2O3-Na2CO3-CaO-BaF2-YbF3 glass ceramics (GC) containing BaYbF5 nanocrystals were fabricated via melt-quenching technique with subsequent heat treatment. The formation of crystalline fluoride phase was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Compared to precursor glasses, the greatly enhanced green emission (40-fold), new emission band at ultraviolet-blue region and stark splittings of emission in GC, indicate that Ho3+ enters into BaYbF5 nanocrystals with low phonon energy. Besides, the origin of the previously unconfirmed emission band at 440-460 nm is clearly identified by measuring spectra from thermally coupled luminescent levels at various temperatures. The outstanding upconversion properties of Ho3+ in GC may present potential application in all-solid-state upconversion lasers operating in the visible and ultraviolet range.