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

Abstract Infrared upconversion luminescence properties of Er 3 + /Yb 3 + co-doped oxy-fluoride glasses and glass-ceramics were investigated. Under 1550 nm laser excitation, infrared emission centered at ~ 980 nm that originated from the Yb 3 + : 2 F 5/2 → 2 F 7/2 and Er 3 + : 4 I 11/2 → 4 F 15/2 transitions was observed. The upconversion luminescence was enhanced both by Yb 3 + content increase and by precipitation of β-PbF 2 nano-crystals in the glass matrix. The energy transfer process between Yb 3 + and Er 3 + ions dominated IR upconversion emission, and Yb 3 + can be used as energy acceptor. The strong upconverted luminescence can be used to increase the efficiency of silicon solar cells.