Phase structure control and optical spectroscopy of rare-earth activated GdF3 nanocrystal embedded glass ceramics via alkaline-earth/alkali-metal doping

Abstract

Hexagonal to orthorhombic phase transformation of GdF₃ nanocrystals in bulk glass ceramics was achieved through alkaline-earth/alkali-metal doping and crystallization temperature controlling. Structural characterizations and spectroscopic analyses of the Eu³⁺ probe evidenced the incorporation of rare earth emitting-centers into the precipitated GdF₃ crystals among the glass matrix. In addition, the influence of phase evolution on the upconversion luminescence of Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ co-doped glass ceramics was systematically investigated and it was evidenced that the upconversion intensity of the orthorhombic GdF₃ embedded glass ceramic was two orders of magnitude higher than that of the hexagonal GdF₃ containing glass ceramic. Benefiting from greatly enhanced upconversion luminescence after glass crystallization, the present glass ceramic composites were demonstrated to have promising applications in optical temperature sensors as well as tunable displays.