Infrared-to-visible conversion luminescence of Er3+ ions in lead borate transparent glass-ceramics

Transparent glass-ceramics were successfully prepared during controlled heat treatment of lead borate glasses. The PbF 2 particles were dispersed into a borate glass matrix which was evidenced by X-ray diffraction analysis. The phase identification revealed that crystalline peaks can be related to the ortho-rhombic PbF 2 phase. Green up-conversion luminescence due to the 4 S3/2- 4 I 15/2 transition of Er3+ ions was registered. In comparison to the precursor glass the luminescence intensity was considerably higher, whereas the luminescence linewidth slightly decreased in the studied oxyfluoride transparent glass-ceramics. It indicated that a part of the trivalent erbium was incorporated into the PbF 2 crystalline phase.