Sm3+ photoreduction in BaCl2 nanophases precipitated fluoroaluminate glasses under femtosecond laser irradiation

Photoreduction of samarium-doped BaCl(2)-modified aluminofluoride glass by femtosecond laser irradiation and x-ray irradiation were investigated. Photoluminescence of samarium ions indicated that photoreduction of Sm(3+)→Sm(2+) efficiently occurred in glass samples containing more than 5 mol.% BaCl(2) after femtosecond laser irradiation, while dramatic change was not observed by x-ray irradiation. Transmission electron microscope results revealed that BaCl(2) nanophases only precipitated from glass matrix with a high BaCl(2) content by focusing femtosecond laser irradiation. Samarium ions were selectively incorporated into the precipitated nanophases, resulting in the enhancement of Sm(3+) photoreduction under lower laser power.