Preparation process and upconversion luminescence of Er3+-doped glass ceramics containing Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals

The preparation process and upconversion luminescence of the Er3+-doped glass ceramics containing Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals were investigated. The formation of Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals in the glass ceramics was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Er3+-doped glass ceramics containing Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals exhibited highly efficient upconversion luminescence in comparison with glasses. With the increase of heat treatment temperature the upconversion luminescence intensity increased gradually. The composition of glasses was also found to have significant influence on the crystallization process of glass ceramics. The mixture of Ba2LaF7 and La2O3 nanocrystals and the mixture of La2F3 and La2O3 nanocrystals in the glass ceramics could be obtained by controlling different compositions of glasses. The upconversion luminescence intensity also varied significantly with different nanocrystals in the glass ceramics.