Dispersion and Upconversion Fluorescence of Nd3+ Ions in Zinc Chloride-Based Glasses

Nd³⁺-ion-doped ZnCl₂-based glasses were prepared via the melt-quenching method. The Nd³⁺-ion upconversion excitation mechanism and the ability to disperse Nd³⁺ ions into ZnCl₂-based glasses were investigated using absorption and upconversion fluorescence spectra of Nd³⁺ ions. The ZnCl₂-based glass that had an average cationic radius equal to the ionic radius of Nd³⁺ (98 pm) had the greatest ability to disperse Nd³⁺ ions. The 20KCl·25BaCl₂·55ZnCl₂glass, which had the average cationic radius nearest to 98 pm, dispersed Nd³⁺ ions the most, and it had the strongest upconversion fluorescence.