Wavelength Tailorability of Broadband Near-Infrared Luminescence in Cr4+-Activated Transparent Glass-Ceramics.

Four Cr⁴⁺-activated transparent glass-ceramics containing different species of silicate nano-crystals ( Zn₂ SiO₄, Mg₂ SiO₄, Li₂ ZnSiO₄, and Li₂ MgSiO₄) were successfully prepared. Absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectra, lifetime decay curves, and quantum yield of these transparent glass-ceramics were measured. According to the crystal field strength of Cr⁴⁺-incorporated tetrahedral sites, the broadband near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of Cr⁴⁺ can be tailored from 1130 to 1350 nm and the lifetime of Cr⁴⁺ luminescence can be prolonged from 6 to 100 μs. Quantum yield in the transparent glass-ceramics containing Li₂ ZnSiO₄ nano-crystals reached at 17%, which is the highest value of NIR luminescence in transition-metal-activated glass materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]