Enhanced cooperative quantum cutting in Tm3+-Yb3+ codoped glass ceramics containing LaF3 nanocrystals

Tm3+-Yb3+ codoped transparent oxyfluoride glass ceramics containing LaF3 nanocrystals were obtained by thermal treatment on the as-made glasses. The formation of LaF3 nanocrystals and the incorporation of Tm3+ and Yb3+ into LaF3 nanocrystal lattice were confirmed by X-ray diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. Infrared quantum cutting involving Yb3+ 950-1100 nm (F-2(5/2) -> F-2(7/2))emission was achieved upon the excitation of the (1)G(4) energy level of Tm3+ at 468 nm. We measured the photoluminescence properties of these glass ceramics. We also investigated the thermal treatment duration dependent quantum efficiency, and found that the quantum efficiency is 13% increased for the 0.5Tm(3+)-4Yb(3+) doped glass ceramic with a maximum value of 144%, and 16% increased for the 0.5Tm(3+) -8Yb(3+) doped glass ceramic with a maximum value of 162%, respectively. (c) 2008 Optical Society of America.