Nd3+/Sm3+ codoped NaLa(WO4)2 glass ceramic: A novel optical heater

Transparent Nd3+/Sm3+ codoped tungstate silicate glass ceramics were prepared and used for the photothermal conversion process. XRD patterns, TEM image and the enhanced Raman signals confirm the appearance of the tetragonal scheelite NaLa(WO4)2 nanocrystals in the vitreous phase. In comparison to the precursor glass, the enhancement of photoluminescence of Nd3+ ions in the glass ceramics attributes to the enrichment of Nd3+ ion in the precipitated low phonon-energy tetragonal scheelite NaLa(WO4)2 nanocrystals. The rapid reduction of photoluminescence of Nd3+ ions in the Nd3+/Sm3+ codoped glass ceramics demonstrates that a strong energy transfer from Nd3+ to Sm3+ takes place, which provides more non-radiative relaxation channels and is beneficial for the improving the photothermal conversion efficiency. Under the irradiation of 808 nm laser diode, a significant temperature rise is observed in the Nd3+/Sm3+ codoped glass ceramics and may be used as a good optical heater.