Efficient infrared-to-visible upconversion emission in Nd³⁺-doped PbO-TeO₂ glass containing silver nanoparticles

The effect of silver nanoparticles (NPs) on the optical properties of Nd3+-doped sodium-lead tellurite glass prepared by melting-quenching technique is investigated. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirm the amorphous nature of the samples. The average size of silver NPs increases from 7 to 18 nm by addition of AgNO3 content. The surface plasmon resonance band of the silver NPs was recorded at 522 nm for 0.5 mol. % AgNO3. Large upconversion enhancements (∼16 and 10 times) are attributed to the enlarged local field in vicinity of silver NPs. Feasible interactions between the excitation light and Nd3+:Ag NP co-doped tellurite glass are discussed.