The effect of Al3+ ions on the self-reduction process of Yb3+ to Yb2+ ions and optical properties of Nd3+/Ybn+ (n = 3, 2) co-doped transparent silicate glass-ceramics containing Ba2LaF7 nanocrystals and Ag nanoparticles.

The effect of Al3+ ions in the AlF 3 compound on the reduction process of Yb3+ to Yb2+ ions in SiO 2 –AlF 3 –BaF 2 –TiO 2 –LaF 3 (SABTL) transparent silicate glass-ceramics was investigated. The valence states of the elements in the raw materials mixture existing in the transparent silicate glass-ceramics were determined using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrum analysis. The transparent silicate glass-ceramics SABTL containing Ba 2 LaF 7 nanocrystals and Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (AgNPs) were identified through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image. With the increase of Al3+ ions molar concentration, the self-reduction process of Yb3+ to Yb2+ ions was enhanced and thus significantly affected the optical bandgaps and upconversion (UC)-, near-infrared (NIR)- emissions of Nd3+/Yb3+ co-doped in SABTL containing Ba 2 LaF 7 nanocrystals and AgNPs under excitation of 980 nm laser diode (LD). The optimal molar concentration ratio between SiO 2 and AlF 3 compound was determined such that the NIR bandwidth flatness of Nd3+/Yb3+ co-doped in SABTL containing Ba 2 LaF 7 nanocrystals in the wavelength range of 1000–1200 nm was the flattest. In addition, the CIE 1931 (x, y) color coordinates for UC- and visible (VIS)- emissions of Nd3+/Yb3+ co-doped SABTL-0.5Nd2Yb-xAg (x = 0, 2, 3, 4, and 5) glass-ceramics samples are also calculated and determined the color region for light-emitting diode (LED) application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]