Enhanced mid-IR emission in Yb3+–Tm3+ co-doped oxyfluoride glass ceramics

Tm3+–Yb3+ co-doped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics were prepared through thermal treatment of the as-prepared glasses. The precipitation of nanocrystals and the incorporation of Tm3+ and Yb3+ into the nanocrystals were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and absorption spectra. Based on the Judd–Ofelt theory, the J–O parameters Ωλ (λ = 2, 4, 6), spontaneous radiative transition rates, radiative lifetimes and fluorescence branching ratios of Tm3+ in both as-prepared glasses and glass ceramics were calculated. Intense mid-IR emission and upconversion luminescence in the Tm3+ and Yb3+ co-doped glass ceramics were observed under 980 nm excitation. Especially, compared with that of the as-prepared glasses, mid-IR luminescence intensity of Tm3+ in the glass ceramics was greatly enhanced. Desirable spectroscopic characteristics suggest that these oxyfluoride glass ceramics may be promising mid-IR laser active medium.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ Tm3+ and Yb3+ ions had been enriched in the nanocrystals of the glass ceramics. ▶ Mid-IR luminescence intensity of the glass ceramics was enhanced. ▶ Judd–Ofelt theory was used to calculate optical parameters.