Enhanced luminescence in transparent glass ceramics containing BaYF5: Ce3+ nanocrystals

Ce3+ doped transparent glass ceramics containing BaYF5 nanocrystals were prepared by controlled heat treatment of 45SiO2–15Al2O3–10Na2O–24BaF2–6Y2O3–0.5Ce2O3 (mol%) glass. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy data have revealed the formation of BaYF5 nanocrystals. Both photoluminescence and X-ray excited luminescence spectra have shown a blue-shift of the emission band of Ce3+ on ceramization, which is consistent with the Ce3+ environment evolving from a glassy oxide to a fluoride phase. The luminescent intensity of Ce3+ ions in the transparent glass ceramics is greatly enhanced compared with the precursor glass under ultraviolet and X-ray excitation. This could be attributed to the Ce3+ ions present in the BaYF5 crystalline phase.