Enhanced ~ 2 μm and upconversion emission from Ho–Yb codoped oxyfluoride glass ceramics

Enhanced 2 μm and upconversion emission from Ho3 +–Yb3 + codoped oxyfluoride silicate glass ceramics containing nanocrystals Ba2YbF7 was demonstrated. Ho3 +–Yb3 + codoped oxyfluoride silicate glass and glass ceramics containing nanocrystals Ba2YbF7 were fabricated. Fluoride nanocrystals Ba2YbF7 were successfully precipitated in glass matrix, which was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrometer results. 2 μm and upconversion emissions were obtained from these glass examples under 980 nm excitation. Compared with the precursor glass, enhanced 2 μm and upconversion luminescence was measured in the glass ceramics, which were due to scattering by the formed nanocrystals, lower phonon energy obtained in the nanocrystals and efficient Yb3 +–Ho3 + interionic interactions. Therefore, the material investigated in this study could find potential application in 2 μm laser gain media or upconversion light material.