Effects of YF3 doping on the optical properties of Er3+ ions in oxyfluoride glass-ceramics

In this work, effects of YF3 addition on the formation and optical properties of Er3+ doped fluoride nanocrystals in glass-ceramics were studied. Results obtained from X-ray diffraction patterns, absorption spectra and emission spectra all showed that Y3+ ions promoted the preferential incorporation of Er3+ ions into the fluoride nanocrystals and decreased the effective concentration of Er3+ ions inside the fluoride nanocrystals. As a result, concentration dependent energy transfer processes were suppressed and efficiency of 2.73 μm emission was improved.