Synthesis and optical properties of erbium-doped BaF2 nanoparticles

•We report the synthesis of BaF2:Er3+ nanoparticles by the ultrasonic surge method under normal temperature.•The Er3+ ions was introduced into the BaF2 lattice, formed cubic fluorite-type Ba1−xErxF2+x solid solution, x∼ 0.4″.•The crystalline phase was largely influenced by the annealing temperature.

Erbium-doped BaF2 nanoparticles were prepared using the ultrasonic surge method. The particles were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, photoluminescence and absorption. The results show that when Er3+ ions were introduced into the BaF2 lattice, cubic fluorite-type Ba1−xErxF2+x solid solution, x = 0.42 was formed. Furthermore, the crystalline phase of Ba1−xErxF2+x solid solution was largely influenced by the annealing temperature.