980 nm upconversion luminescence from oxy-fluoride glasses and glass-ceramics doped with Yb3+ and Er3+ ions

Abstract

Infrared upconversion luminescence properties of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped oxy-fluoride glasses and glass-ceramics were investigated. Under 1550 nm laser excitation, infrared emission centered at similar to 980 nm that originated from the Yb3+:F-2(5/2) -> F-2(7/2) and Er3+:I-4(11/2) -> F-4(15/2) transitions was observed. The upconversion luminescence was enhanced both by Yb3+ content increase and by precipitation of beta-PbF2 nano-crystals in the glass matrix. The energy transfer process between Yb3+ and Er3+ ions dominated IR upconversion emission, and Yb3+ can be used as energy acceptor. The strong upconverted luminescence can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells.(C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.