Enhanced infrared to visible upconversion emission in Er3+ doped phosphate glass: Role of silver nanoparticles

► Er3+-doped silver NPs embedded phosphate glasses are prepared. ► TEM confirms the successful precipitation of spherical NPs (diameter ∼37 nm). ► Absorption and luminescence are enhanced in the presence of NPs. ► Enhancement in the green band is higher than red band. ► Luminescence is enhanced in the presence of NPs.