The distribution of Tm3+ and Ni2+ ions is unambiguously exhibited in 80GeS2-20Ga2S3 chalcogenide glass ceramics (GCs) containing Ga2S3 nanocrystals (NCs) by using advanced analytical transmission electron microscopy. Distinctively different distribution patterns of Tm3+ and Ni2+ ions are observed in the GCs obtained by controlled crystallization. The distribution of the dopants imposes strong influence on their optical properties which are revealed by absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Detailed discussions are given of the mechanisms of the crystallization-induced PL enhancement and quenching of the Tm3+ mid-infrared and Ni2+ near-infrared emissions, respectively
