Quantum cutting and near-infrared emissions in Ho3+/Yb3+ codoped transparent glass-ceramics

Visible to near-infrared quantum cutting and 2.0 μm near-infrared emissions have been obtained in Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluoride transparent glass-ceramic, containing cubic CaF2 nanocrystals, under 473 nm excitation. The formation of CaF2 nanocrystals and the incorporation of Ho3+/Yb3+ ions into these nanocrystals have been confirmed from x-ray diffraction and photoluminescence studies, respectively. Lifetime of 1.2 μm emission has been enhanced by three orders of magnitude in the glass-ceramic compared to that of the precursor glass. Time-resolved near-infrared quantum cutting emission of Yb3+ ions at different delay times under 532 nm laser excitation has also been obtained. Studies reveal that the infrared quantum cutting emission of Yb3+ and Ho3+ ions in the CaF2 nanocrystalline glass-ceramic could improve the efficiency of crystalline-Si solar cells, and that the 1.2 μm emission could be useful for further enhancing transmission windows using optical amplifiers. •Ho3+-Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluoride glass and glass-ceramics (GC) have been synthesized.•Samples show quantum cutting (QC) and near infrared emissions under 473 nm excitation.•Lifetime of 1.2 μm emission has been enhanced by three orders of magnitude in GC compared to precursor glass.•1.0 μm QC emission of Yb3+ ions could improve the efficiency of Si solar cells.•1.2 μm QC emission of Ho3+ ions could be useful for enhancing transmission windows of optical amplifiers.