Energy transfer in Pr3+–Yb3+ codoped oxyfluoride glass ceramics

A study of the optical properties of Pr 3+ -Yb 3+ ions in oxyfluoride glass and glass ceramics was carried out. The cross section emissions at 1300 nm corresponding to the 1 G 4 → 3 H 5 transition of Pr 3 ions were obtained. The ceramming process reduced the linewidth of this transition by about 12% and the emission stimulated cross section was increased by a factor of 1.4 compared to the precursor glasses. The mean wavelength is nearly constant (about 1325 nm) above room temperature. After analyzing the luminescence decay curves of Yb 3+ ions, it was found that the majority of the optically active ions in the glass ceramic were located in the fluoride nanocrystals and the rest in the glassy phase. The shortening of distances between the ions turns the energy transfer process into Yb 3+ → Pr 3 . However, emission at 1300 nm Pr 3 was concentration quenched.