Analysis of the distribution of Tm3+ ions in LaF3 containing transparent glass-ceramics through X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Incorporation of rare-earth (RE) ions in the fluoride crystals of oxyfluoride glass-ceramics greatly improves the optical properties of these materials, such as the up-conversion emission. In this work, we present a study of this incorporation using X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Both techniques allow quantifying the distribution of these ions in the glass matrix and the fluoride crystals. We found that 27% of Tm3+ ions are incorporated in LaF3 nano-crystals. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.