Glass-ceramic optical fibers with controlled crystallization of core doped with europium ions

In this paper, we report on fabricating optical fibers with a controlled process of crystallization core during the drawing process. The research and synthesis of the core material of silica-germanium-antimony oxide glass were discussed. We also investigated the optical and luminescence properties were in relation to concentrating Eu2O3 and P2O5. Based on this investigation, we selected the most promising material for optical fiber core. In the next step, we drew optical fibers using a well-known rod-in-tube method. After drawing, we examine the optical fibers for luminescence shape changes. We observed a promising similarity between optical fibers and heat-treated samples with confirmed nanocrystals. Finally, XRD and TEM measurements confirm EuPO4 nanocrystals at the core of the optical fiber. Highlighting the successful control of crystallization in the one-step method used to draw optical fibers.