Er-doped nano-tellurite-glasses embedded in polymeric thin films: an emerging platform for hybrid photonic devices.
CHACALIAZA-RICALDI, José Yitzhak Aarón; RIVERA, Victor Anthony Garcia; HUAMAN, Jose Luis Clabel; PINTO, Iago Carvalho; MESSADDEQ, Younés; MAREGA JUNIOR, Euclydes.
CHACALIAZA-RICALDI, José Yitzhak Aarón; RIVERA, Victor Anthony Garcia; HUAMAN, Jose Luis Clabel; PINTO, Iago Carvalho; MESSADDEQ, Younés; MAREGA JUNIOR, Euclydes.
Abstract: The integration of Er -doped nanostructures into polymeric matrices represents a promising avenue for the development of next-generation photonic devices. However, achieving homogeneous dispersion and efficient optical activation of these nanomaterials within thin films remains a challenge, which limits their practical use in applications such as integrated quantum photonics. In this work, we address this gap by embedding Er -doped nano-tellurite glasses into poly(methyl methacrylate) hybrid thin films, combining the high refractive index and up-conversion capabilities of nanoglasses with the flexibility and processability of polymer matrices. The fabrication approach involves the mechanical grinding of bulk tellurite glass to nanoglasses ( 300 nm), followed by uniform dispersion in a polymethyl methacrylate solution and deposition via spin coating. The surface morphology and distribution of the nanoglasses were evaluated by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Atomic Force Microscopy. Radiative emission characterization was performed using fluorescence confocal microscopy at three excitation wavelengths (405, 800, and 980 nm), revealing the typical visible up-conversion emission bands of Er ions. Excitation at 980 nm yielded the strongest emission, followed by 800 nm, while 405 nm was significantly less efficient. Notably, enhancement of the green emission from Er ions was observed, which we attribute to confinement effects within the nano-tellurite-glasses acting as optical nanocavities. In summary, this study demonstrates an effective strategy for integrating functional nanophotonic materials into polymer thin films and highlights the potential of nanoglasses as resonant nanocavities for enhancing up-conversion luminescence, paving the way for their application in advanced photonic and quantum technologies.
@article={003280984,author = {CHACALIAZA-RICALDI, José Yitzhak Aarón; RIVERA, Victor Anthony Garcia; HUAMAN, Jose Luis Clabel; PINTO, Iago Carvalho; MESSADDEQ, Younés; MAREGA JUNIOR, Euclydes.},title={Er-doped nano-tellurite-glasses embedded in polymeric thin films: an emerging platform for hybrid photonic devices},journal={Materials Research Bulletin},note={v. 196, p. 113903-1-113903-6},year={2026}}