From Sm3+:La2O3-ZnO-Na2O-TeO2 glasses to transparent glass ceramics containing ZnTeO3 and La2Te4O11 nanocrystals – Influence of the heat treatment on crystal growth and fluorescence properties

Abstract The paper presents the synthesis and spectroscopic properties of Sm 3+ -doped transparent TeO 2 -based glass ceramics containing ZnTeO 3 and La 2 Te 4 O 11 nanocrystals. The impact of heat treatment is presented and discussed. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope results demonstrate that nanocrystals are precipitated homogenously among the glass matrix. Excitation in the 6 P 3/2 bands of Sm 3+ produces a strong orange and red emission from the 4 G 5/2 level. The results show noticeable differences between glass precursor, bulk and nanocrystalline Sm 3+ :La 2 Te 4 O 11 in luminescence experimental data.