Host dependent frequency upconversion of Yb3+/Tm3+-codoped oxyfluoride tellurite glasses

The upconversion luminescence properties of Yb3+/Tm3+-codoped oxyfluoride tellurite glasses under 980 nm excitation are investigated experimentally. The intense blue and relatively weak red emissions centered at 475 and 649 nm corresponding to the transitions (1)G(4) -> H-3(6) and (1)G(4) -> H-3(4) of Tm3+, respectively, are simultaneously observed at room temperature. The effect of PbF2 on upconversion intensity is observed and discussed, and possible upconversion mechanisms are evaluated. The intense blue upconversion luminescence of Yb3+/Tm3+-codoped oxyfluoride tellurite glasses may be a potentially useful material for developing blue upconversion optical devices. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.