Eur. Phys. J. Appl. Phys. 99, 1 (2024)
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjap/2023230168

Original Article

Influence of Au⁰ metallic particles on NIR laser emission of Yb³⁺ ions in Li₂O−HfO₂−SiO₂ glass ceramic

¹ Department of Physics, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Nagarjuna Nagar – 522 510, India
² Department of Physics, Andhra Loyola Institute of Engineering and Technology, Vijayawada, India
³ Department of Chemistry, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, India
⁴ Department of Physics, Andhra Loyola College, Vijayawada − 520008, India

*e-mail: vrksurya@rediffmail.com

Received: 1 September 2023
Accepted: 22 November 2023
Published online: 22 January 2024

Abstract

This study consists of the synthesis, characterization, and analysis of photoluminescence (PL) spectra for Li₂O−HfO₂−SiO₂−Yb₂O₃ glass ceramics sensitized with small amounts of Au₂O₃. Using the results of XRD and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies indicated a progressive reduction of Au³⁺ ions into Au⁰ metallic particles (MPs) with increase of Au₂O₃ content. Investigations into the infrared spectra highlighted a growing concentration of induced defects in the samples due to the increased proportion of Au⁰ MPs. Optical absorption (OA) spectra exhibited a distinct band attributed to the ²F_7/2 → ²F_5/2 transition of Yb³⁺ within wavelength range of 800–980 nm. Furthermore, a wide absorption band linked to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Au⁰ MPs was identified in the visible region. PL spectra, recorded at λ_exc = 450 nm, revealed a band between 980 to 1025 nm, associated with the ²F_5/2 → ²F_7/2 transition of Yb³⁺ ions. Another emission band was observed due to the sp → d transition of Au⁰ MPs within the visible region. Observed enhanced PL emission from Yb³⁺ ions in the NIR range was ascribed to the energy transfer from Au⁰ MPs to Yb³⁺ ions. Ultimately, it was deduced that Au⁰ MPs played a pivotal role in enhancing the PL output of Yb³⁺ ions in the Li₂O−HfO₂−SiO₂ glass ceramic. Thus, glass ceramics incorporating an optimal concentration of Au₂O₃ hold significant potential as materials for NIR lasers.