Influence of silver on the luminescence of Nd3+-doped LaF3 glass-ceramics

In the present study, oxyfluoride glass-ceramics (GCs) containing NdF₃-doped LaF₃ nanocrystals were prepared with different amounts of Ag as a co-dopant. The structural and optical properties of the GCs were characterized to identify the presence of the metallic nanoparticles, as well as their role in Nd³⁺ photoluminescence. Site-selective emission spectra show that Ag co-doped samples, thermally treated in an N₂ atmosphere, exhibit increased luminescence of Nd³⁺ ions in the crystalline phase compared to Ag-free analogues. This effect can be attributed to the local field enhancement at the LaF₃ nanocrystals due to the presence of Ag⁰ nanoparticles.