Crystallization and fluorescence properties of Ce:YAG glass-ceramics with low SiO2 content

► Translucent SiO2-low Ce:YAG glass-ceramics were successfully obtained. ► A white LED (CIR, 80.3 and CT, 5098 K) was equipped with the obtained glass-ceramic. ► Controlled surface and bulk crystallizations of the glass were observed. ► Three Ce3+ emission centers were possibly involved during the luminescence decay. ► Luminous efficacy decreased with elevated annealing temperatures.