Up- and down-conversion in Yb3 +–Pr3 + co-doped fluoride glasses and glass ceramics

Pr3 +–Yb3 + co-doped transparent ZrF4-based bulk and planar waveguide glass ceramics (GCs) have been fabricated using the physical vapor deposition. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis have shown the presence of a single crystalline phase that belongs to the LaF3–ZrF4 system. Upon 980 nm excitation, blue, orange and red emissions have been obtained both in bulk and waveguides. Intense luminescence of Yb3 + ions has been observed after excitation at 476 nm and is ascribed by to energy transfer (ET) from Pr3 + to Yb3 +. The ET efficiency was estimated to be 92% for 0.5 mol% Pr3 +–10 mol% Yb3 + co-doping.

► Blue, orange and red up-converted emissions have been observed. ► Blue to NIR down conversion have been observed. ► Ceramization increases the absorption of Pr3 + and Yb3 + ions by at least 30%. ► Energy transfer efficiency from Pr3 + to Yb3 + reaches 92% in 0.5%Pr3 +–10%Yb3 + glass. ► We fabricated Pr3 +–Yb3 +co-doped fluoride glass ceramics waveguides by PVD.