Effect of adjusting composition on the crystallization and luminescence properties in NaYF4:Er3+ embedded glass ceramics

Abstract Intense 2.7 μm emission was achieved in transparent glass ceramics containing NaYF 4 :Er 3+ nanocrystals. The effect of adjusting Na 2 O/NaF ratio in glass composition on the crystallizing and luminescence behavior in the glass ceramics was investigated. The controllable crystallization property of NaYF 4 nanocrystals was remained after modifying the glass composition and the crystallization temperature was largely reduced for the samples with high Na 2 O content. The X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis evidenced the shrink of lattice parameter with increasing Na 2 O content. High transparency was kept for these glass ceramic samples, and intense upconversion, near- and mid-infrared emissions were obtained in Er 3+ -doped glass ceramics with an increase of red/green ratio and prominent Stark splits in the sample with high Na 2 O content, indicating the change of crystal field around Er 3+ in the host matrix. Our results indicate that the crystallization and luminescence properties of glass ceramics could be modified through adjusting the glass composition, and it is an effective route to develop glass ceramics with favorable properties.