Analysis of the distribution of Tm3+ ions in LaF3 containing transparent glass-ceramics through X-ray absorption spectroscopy

• Published in: Journal of non-crystalline solids 2014-01, Vol.384, p.83-87
• Main Authors: de Pablos-Martín, A., García, M.A., Muñoz-Noval, A., Castro, G.R., Pascual, M.J., Durán, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Crystals; Exact sciences and technology; Fine structure; Fluoride crystals; Fluorides; Glass ceramics; Glasses (including metallic glasses); Materials science; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Optical properties; Optical properties and condensed-matter spectroscopy and other interactions of matter with particles and radiation; Optical properties of bulk materials and thin films; Oxyfluoride glass-ceramics; Physics; Rare earth metals; Rare earths; Specific materials; Spectroscopy; X-ray absorption spectroscopy; X-rays
• ISSN: 0022-3093; 1873-4812
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2013.07.021

Incorporation of rare-earth (RE) ions in the fluoride crystals of oxyfluoride glass-ceramics greatly improves the optical properties of these materials, such as the up-conversion emission. In this work, we present a study of this incorporation using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Both techniques allow quantifying the distribution of these ions in the glass matrix and the fluoride crystals. We found that 27% of Tm3+ ions are incorporated in LaF3 nano-crystals. •Tm incorporation in LaF3 was confirmed using a first coordination shell model.•The preferential inclusion of Tm in LaF3 crystals was confirmed and quantified.•Tm3+ concentration in LaF3 nano-crystals increases during crystallisation process.