Enhanced photoluminescence of Eu2+–Pr3+ ions in Ga2S3 nanocrystals embedded chalcohalide glasses ceramics

A new down-conversion chalcohalide glass ceramics with a composition of 37.5GeS2–22.5Ga2S3–40CsCl (in mol %) doped with 0.15 Eu2+ and 0.1 Pr3+ (in mol %) is prepared. The crystallization is characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Ga2S3 crystallites in the nano-scale (20-80nm) are obtained by the controlled crystallization. Visible photoluminescence properties of the glass and transparent glass ceramics are investigated. The mechanism responsible for the enhanced luminescence of both Eu2+ and Pr3+ in the glass ceramics was discussed from the point of view of the reduced phonon energy effect. •Transparent Eu2+–Pr3+ co-doped chalcohalide glass ceramics are prepared.•Ga2S3 nano-crystals are obtained by the controlled crystallization.•Greatly enhanced Eu2+ and Pr3+ emissions are realized by the crystallization.