Up-Conversion Luminescence and Magnetic Properties of Multifunctional Er3+/Yb3+-Doped SiO2-GdF3/LiGdF4 Glass Ceramics

Glassy nanocomposites containing Yb3+/Er3+-doped GdF3 and LiGdF4 nanocrystals have been prepared by controlled crystallization of the xerogel structural, up-conversion luminescence, magnetic properties were analyzed discussed. Structural morphological analysis showed uniform distribution both (tens nm size), embedded in silica glass matrix as result thermal decomposition trifluoracetates, revealed a strong exothermic peak at about 300 °C; Li-ions co-doping influence on nanocrystalline fraction. The energy dispersive spectrometry mapping Gd, F Yb, Er within but not matrix. X-ray diffraction pattern indicated crystalline lattice distortion consistent with Yb/Er incorporation fluoride nanocrystals. “green” ((2H11/2, 4S3/2) →4I15/2) “red” (4F9/2→4I15/2) luminescences 525, 545, 660 observed under 980 laser light pumping assigned to Er3+ ions deexcitation through two-photon process. nanocomposite are strongly temperature dependent. magnetization hysteresis loops show ferromagnetic behavior low temperatures (5K) related rare-earth contribution saturation 39 emu/g. At K paramagnetic was that ascribed non-interacting localized nature moment ions. Hence, such novel, multifunctional optical materials can allow intertwining between magnetism photonics might offer new opportunities for magneto-optical device development.