2.7 μm emission in Er3+:CaF2 nanocrystals embedded oxyfluoride glass ceramics

Using conventional melt-quenching and subsequent thermal treatment, Er(3+) doped CaF(2) transparent glass ceramic (GC) was prepared. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation and microstructure of CaF(2) nanocrystals in glass. An energy-dispersive spectrometer was used to investigate the distribution of Er(3+) ions and CaF(2) nanocrystals in glass. It was found that Er(3+) ions prefer to concentrate in the CaF(2) nanocrystals rather than in a glass matrix, and the amount of Er(3+) ions plays a key role in the formation of CaF(2) nanocrystals in a glass matrix with the Er(3+) ions as nucleating agent. An intense 2.7 μm emission due to Er(3+): I(11/2)4 → I(13/2)4 was achieved upon excitation at 980 nm with a laser diode, while the 2.7 μm emission can be neglected in the as-prepared glass counterpart, which confirmed the incorporation of Er(3+) ions into CaF(2) nanocrystals. An obvious enhancement of 2.7 μm emerged in the GC doped with 3% Er(3+) and heat-treated at 620 °C.