Search

Nanophosphors are widely used, especially in biological applications in the first and second biological windows. Currently, nanophosphors doped with lanthanide ions (Ln3+) are attracting much attention. However, doping the matrix with lanthanide ions is associated with a narrow luminescence bandwidth. This paper describes the structural and luminescence properties of co-doped LaPO4 nanophosphors, fabricated by the co-precipitation method. X-ray structural analysis, scanning electron microscope measurements with EDS analysis, and luminescence measurements (excitation 395 nm) of LaPO4:Eu3+/Nd3+ and LaPO4:Eu3+/Nd3+/Yb3+ nanophosphors were made and energy transfer between rare-earth ions was investigated. Tests performed confirmed the crystal structure of the produced phosphors and deposition of rare-earth ions in the structure of LaPO4 nanocrystals. In the range of the first biological window (650–950 nm), strong luminescence bands at the wavelengths of 687 nm and 698 nm (5D0 → 7F4:Eu3+) and 867 nm, 873 nm, 889 nm, 896 nm, and 907 nm (4F3/2 → 4I9/2:Nd3+) were observed. At 980 nm, 991 nm, 1033 nm (2F5/2 → 2F7/2:Yb3+) and 1048 nm, 1060 nm, 1073 nm, and 1080 nm (4F3/2 → 4I9/2:Nd3+), strong bands of luminescence were visible in the 950 nm–1100 nm range, demonstrating that energy transfer took place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the synthesis and characterization of Li2MgGeO4:Ho3+ ceramics were reported. The X-ray diffraction measurements revealed that the studied ceramics belong to the monoclinic Li2MgGeO4. Luminescence properties were analyzed in the visible spectral range. Green and red emission bands correspondent to the 5F4,5S2→5I8 and 5F5→5I8 transitions of Ho3+ were observed, and their intensities were significantly dependent on activator concentration. Luminescence spectra were also measured under direct excitation of holmium ions or ceramic matrix. Holmium ions were inserted in crystal lattice Li2MgGeO4, giving broad blue emission and characteristic 4f-4f luminescent transitions of rare earths under the selective excitation of the ceramic matrix. The presence of the energy transfer process between the host lattice and Ho3+ ions was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic glasses co-doped with rare-earth ions have a key potential application value in the field of optical communications. In this paper, we have fabricated and then characterized multicomponent TiO2-modified germanate glasses co-doped with Yb3+/Ln3+ (Ln = Pr, Er, Tm, Ho) with excellent spectroscopic properties. Glass systems were directly excited at 980 nm (the 2F7/2 → 2F5/2 transition of Yb3+). We demonstrated that the introduction of TiO2 is a promising option to significantly enhance the main near-infrared luminescence bands located at the optical telecommunication window at 1.3 μm (Pr3+: 1G4 → 3H5), 1.5 μm (Er3+: 4I13/2 → 4I15/2), 1.8 μm (Tm3+: 3F4 → 3H6) and 2.0 μm (Ho3+: 5I7 → 7I8). Based on the lifetime values, the energy transfer efficiencies (ηET) were estimated. The values of ηET are changed from 31% for Yb3+/Ho3+ glass to nearly 53% for Yb3+/Pr3+ glass. The investigations show that obtained titanate–germanate glass is an interesting type of special glasses integrating luminescence properties and spectroscopic parameters, which may be a promising candidate for application in laser sources emitting radiation and broadband tunable amplifiers operating in the near-infrared range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of Cr3+ concentration on near-infrared emission of Ho3+ in barium gallo-germanate glass has been studied. Near-infrared emission bands, due to 4T 2 → 4A 2 (Cr3+) as well as 5I 6 → 5I 8 and 5I 7 → 5I 8 (Ho3+) transitions, were observed under excitation of Cr3+. The enhanced and broadband near-infrared emission was obtained for glasses in the presence of transition metal (Cr3+) and rare earth (Ho3+) ions. This prosperity was optimized as a function of donor (Cr3+) and acceptor (Ho3+) concentration. The integrated intensities of emission bands were determined and their values are found to be maximal at 0.25 mol% Cr3+ and 0.5 mol% Ho3+. The energy transfer from Cr3+ to Ho3+ occurs through a nonradiative process with an efficiency up to 23%. • Cr3+/Ho3+ co-doped barium gallo-germanate glasses were studied for NIR emission. • NIR emission spectra of Ho3+ ions in glasses were measured under excitation of Cr3+. • Emission bands are due to 4T 2.→ 4A 2 (Cr3+), 5I 6 → 5I 8 and 5I 7 → 5I 8 (Ho3+) transitions • The relative emission band intensities of Ho3+ depend critically on Cr3+ concentration. • The energy transfer from Cr3+ to Ho3+ with an efficiency up to 23% occurs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead phosphate based glasses doubly doped with Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ ions were prepared and next studied using different spectroscopic techniques. Structural and optical properties of Tb 3+ and Eu 3+ ions have been investigated in lead phosphate based systems, in which PbO:P 2 O 5 molar ratio were changed from 1:5 to 5:1 in glass composition. The fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was used to verify local structure of glass-network. The FT-IR spectra clearly indicate that different structural phosphate groups are present in PbO-P 2 O 5 based glasses. Moreover, the areas of the FT-IR bands strongly depend on the relative ratio of PbO and P 2 O 5 components. The luminescence spectra for Eu 3+ and Tb 3+ ions in PbO-P 2 O 5 glasses were registered. Several emission bands associated to characteristic transitions of trivalent europium and terbium are observed under direct excitation of Tb 3+ ions. It indicates that the energy transfer process from Tb 3+ to Eu 3+ in lead phosphate glasses occurs. Spectroscopic parameters like 5 D 0 (Eu 3+ ) and 5 D 4 (Tb 3+ ) luminescence lifetimes were determined. Dependence of spectroscopic parameters on the increase of PbO:P 2 O 5 molar ratio from 1:5 to 5:1 in glass composition was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, luminescence properties of Tb 3+ /Sm 3+ co-doped lead borate glasses are examined in details. Luminescence spectra of rare earths were measured under different excitation wavelengths. Characteristic luminescence bands corresponding to electronic transitions of terbium and samarium ions were detected under direct excitation of Tb 3+ . The energy transfer from Tb 3+ to Sm 3+ ions in lead borate glass occurs through a nonradiative process with an efficiency from 0.6% to 16%, depending on samarium concentration. Luminescence decay curves for the 4 G 5/2 state of Sm 3+ ions in lead borate glasses were fitted using the Inokuti-Hirayama model. The concentration-dependent luminescence quenching was explained by the non-radiative energy transfer process between the Sm 3+ ions through the cross-relaxation mechanism. The CIE chromaticity coordinates and correlated color temperatures for Tb 3+ /Sm 3+ co-doped lead borate glasses are also presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Pr3+/Er3+ co-doped glass based on InF 3 have been studied • Emission spectra of Pr3+/Er3+ were measured under different excitation wavelengths • Energy transfer process from Pr3+ to Er3+ occurs • Pr3+/Er3+ co-doped glass based on InF 3 are promising for white light emission Pr3+/Er3+ co-doped glasses based on InF 3 were synthesized and then studied for white light emission. The emission spectra consist of several bands corresponding to characteristic 4f-4f electronic transitions of Pr3+ and Er3+ ions. The relative intensities of emission bands depend on the selective excitation wavelengths. The energy transfer process from Pr3+ to Er3+ ions was confirmed by the excitation and emission spectra measurements. From emission spectra, the CIE chromaticity coordinates, the correlated color temperature (CCT) and the color purity (CP) were determined. The results indicate that Pr3+/Er3+ co-doped glasses based on InF 3 are excellent fluoride candidate to achieve warm white light emission. Graphical Abstract [Display omitted]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Spectroscopic properties of rare earth doubly doped lead borate glasses were investigated. [•] Luminescence of Tb3+ was successfully detected under excitation of Dy3+. [•] Luminescence of Eu3+ was successfully detected under excitation of Tb3+. [•] The energy transfer processes between rare earth ions in lead borate glass were evidenced. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Luminescence properties of Tb3+–Eu3+ doubly doped lead borate glasses were investigated. Luminescence spectra were measured under different excitation wavelengths. Characteristic luminescence bands related to electronic transitions of trivalent terbium and europium ions were detected under direct excitation of Tb3+. The energy transfer from Tb3+ to Eu3+ in lead borate glass occurs through a nonradiative process with an efficiency up to 18%. The presence of energy transfer process was also confirmed by excitation spectra measurements. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Luminescence of lead bismuthate glasses PbO-Bi2O3-Ga2O3 containing Dy3+ ions has been studied. Two overlapping luminescence bands corresponding to 3P1–1S0 transition of Bi3+ and 4F9/2 –6H13/2 transition of Dy3+ were detected under 480nm excitation. Comparison of luminescence features for the system under study to those reported for dysprosium-doped lead borate glass PbO-B2O3-Ga2O3 indicates that the luminescence of Dy3+ is efficiently quenched by Bi3+ ions. Analysis of luminescence dynamics implies that the excitation energy transfer from Dy3+ to Bi3+ is nonradiative. The theoretical calculations using Inokuti–Hirayama model confirm strong luminescence of Dy3+ ions in lead bismuthate glasses. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Energy transfer processes from Cr3+ to Nd3+ and NIR luminescence of Nd3+ ions at 1.06 µm in Cr-Nd co-doped lead borate glasses have been investigated. The spectroscopic investigation indicates that Cr3+ ions are located at strong-field and weak-field sites. Replacing PbO by PbF2 in lead borate glasses slightly influences the energy transfer processes between Cr3+ and Nd3+ and NIR luminescence of Nd3+ ions. The energy transfer process occurs in both oxide and oxyfluoride glass systems, which may be due to the thermally induced population of the 4T2 excited state of Cr3+ ions and the participation of lattice phonons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transfer processes in lead borate glasses doubly doped with Yb-Tm and Yb-Er have been investigated at room temperature under excitation of Yb at 975 nm. The non-resonant energy transfer from ²F5/2 state of Yb to ³H5 state of Tm results in up-converted emission at 850 nm due to the ³H4-³H6 transition of thulium ions. The nearly resonant transfer from ²F5/2 state of Yb to 4I11/2 state of Er results in green up-conversion and near-infrared emission, which correspond to the 4S3/2-4I15/2 and 4I13/2-4I15/2 transitions of erbium ions, respectively. High Yb concentration in both co-doped samples is required for optimal energy transfer efficiency (η > 90%). Results with the singly Yb-doped samples are also presented to clarify the energy transfer process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the fabrication and analysis of near-infrared and mid-infrared luminescence spectra and their decays in fluoroindate glasses co-doped with Yb3+/Ho3+. The attention has been paid to the analysis of the Yb3+→ Ho3+ energy transfer processed ions in fluoroindate glasses pumped by 976 nm laser diode. The most effective sensitization for 2 μm luminescence has been obtained in glass co-doped with 0.8YbF3/1.6HoF3. Further study in the mid-infrared spectral range (2.85 μm) showed that the maximum emission intensity has been obtained in fluoroindate glass co-doped with 0.1YbF3/1.4HoF3. The obtained efficiency of Yb3+→ Ho3+ energy transfer was calculated to be up to 61% (0.8YbF3/1.6HoF3), which confirms the possibility of obtaining an efficient glass or glass fiber infrared source for a MID-infrared (MID-IR) sensing application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluoroindate glasses co-doped with Pr3+/Er3+ ions were synthesized and their near-infrared luminescence properties have been examined under selective excitation wavelengths. For the Pr3+/Er3+ co-doped glass samples several radiative and nonradiative relaxation channels and their mechanisms are proposed under direct excitation of Pr3+ and/or Er3+. The energy transfer processes between Pr3+ and Er3+ ions in fluoroindate glasses were identified. In particular, broadband near-infrared luminescence (FWHM = 278 nm) associated to the 1G4 → 3H5 (Pr3+), 1D2 → 1G4 (Pr3+) and 4I13/2 → 4I15/2 (Er3+) transitions of rare earth ions in fluoroindate glass is successfully observed under direct excitation at 483 nm. Near-infrared luminescence spectra and their decays for glass samples co-doped with Pr3+/Er3+ are compared to the experimental results obtained for fluoroindate glasses singly doped with rare earth ions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Holmium singly doped barium gallo-germanate glasses have been studied for near-infrared luminescence at 2000 nm. Near-infrared luminescence spectra corresponding to 5I 7 → 5I 8 transition of trivalent holmium and their decays have been examined as a function of BaF 2 and activator (Ho3+) concentration. The integrated intensities of luminescence bands increase up to 0.5 mol% Ho3+ and then reduce with further increasing activator (Ho3+) concentration. Luminescence linewidths increase with increasing Ho3+ concentration, but remain nearly unchanged with BaF 2 content. The glass samples exhibit the shortened decay curves with increasing activator concentration, which is due to the presence of energy transfer between Ho3+ ions. The luminescence lifetime 5I 7 (Ho3+) is found to be maximum at 5 mol% of BaF 2. • Ho3+ doped barium gallo-germanate glasses have been studied for NIR emission. • NIR emission of Ho3+ was examined with BaF 2 and activator concentration. • Luminescence linewidths and lifetimes were determined. • Luminescence lifetime 5I 7 (Ho3+) is found to be maximum at 5 mol% of BaF 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a comprehensive analysis of emission in erbium-doped and erbium and ytterbium co-doped fluoroindate glasses has been presented. The luminescence of the erbium transitions and the effect of ytterbium co-doping under 488, 808 and 976 nm laser excitation have been discussed. Optimization of rare-earth (RE) ions doping concentration and the energy transfer processes related to the sensibilization effect in Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped fluoroindate glasses focusing on the reciprocal distribution of radiative transitions, energy transfer parameters, and lifetimes have been analyzed. The luminescence consists of several bands in the visible (525, 546 and 660 nm) and the infrared (1550 and 2700 nm) spectral regions that correspond to characteristic radiative energy transitions within the erbium ions. In glasses co-doped with the Er3+/Yb3+ system, an augmentation in the emission intensity was observed in the visible and at 1550 nm, while a decrease was observed in the 2700 nm infrared band. The increase of the Yb3+: 2F 5/2 lifetime under 488, 808 and 976 nm excitation showed significant Er3+: 4I 11/2 → Yb3+: 2F 5/2 back energy transfer. Based on the analysis of the available literature, it can be concluded that energy transfer upconversion and cooperative energy upconversion play a significant role in modulating luminescence intensity values within the examined emission bands. This effect is likely enhanced due to the incorporation in a low phonon energy glass matrix. As a result of the above optimization, a glass optical fiber co-doped with 0.8 YbF 3 /1.4 ErF 3 (in mol%) was drawn and characterized, showing a strong emission at 2.77 μm. The optimized Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped fluoroindate glass and glass optical fiber confirmed their ability to be used in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions as efficient optical fiber sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents an analysis of the spectroscopic properties of glass and glass ceramics co-doped with Ni2+ and Er3+ ions. Spectroscopic analysis showed the embedding of nickel ions in the gamma-gallium oxide nanocrystals as a result of heat treatment of the glass samples. Analysis of the luminescence properties of the obtained samples under 940 nm and 980 nm pump excitation allowed the selection of a proper Er3+ ions concentration for further optical fiber fabrication. Measured lifetime results of glass-ceramics samples confirm energy transfer from nickel ions to erbium. In the process of drawing the optical fiber, it was possible to create a transparent nanocrystalline glass-ceramic core, as confirmed by XRD results. The produced glass-ceramic optical fiber was characterized by broadband emission in the range from 1100 nm to 1650 nm corresponding to the 3T 2 (3F) →3A 2 (3F) (Ni2+) and 4I 13/2 → 4I 15/2 (Er3+) transitions for 940 nm and 980 nm pump excitation. The Er3+ to Ni2+ ions emission intensity ratio of the fabricated glass-ceramic fiber was estimated to be 0.84 and 7.14 for 940 nm and 980 nm optical pumps, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fully amorphous lead borate glasses triply doped with Dy 3+ /Tb 3+ /Eu 3+ were synthesized and next studied using optical spectroscopy. The characteristic luminescence bands originating to electronic transitions of Dy 3+ /Tb 3+/ Eu 3+ ions were observed under direct excitation of Dy 3+ . Moreover, the influence of concentration of rare earth ions on spectroscopic properties of lead borate glasses was examined. The obtained experimental results indicate that energy transfer between these rare earth ions is possible. From the emission spectra, the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates (x, y) are calculated in relation to potential application lead borate glasses for white light emitting devices. It has been proved that our glass systems exhibit warm white emission originating from the simultaneous generation of several bands of Dy 3+ , Tb 3+ , Eu 3+ under the UV–visible light excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead borate glasses singly and doubly doped with Tm 3+ and Dy 3+ were prepared by traditional melt-quenching technique. The emission spectra of rare earths in studied glass systems were registered under different excitation wavelengths. The observed emission bands are located in the visible spectral region. They correspond to 1 D 2 → 3 F 4 (blue) and 1 G 4 → 3 H 6 (blue) transitions of Tm 3+ as well as 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 15/2 (blue), 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 13/2 (yellow) and 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 11/2 (red) transitions of Dy 3+ . Moreover, the energy transfer process from Tm 3+ to Dy 3+ was observed. The luminescence bands originating to characteristic transitions of thulium and dysprosium ions are present on emission spectra under direct excitation of Tm 3+ . Luminescence lifetimes for the excited states of Tm 3+ and Dy 3+ ions in lead borate glass were also determined based on decay measurements. The luminescence intensities and lifetimes depend significantly on the relative concentrations of the optically active dopants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports on the analysis of structural and spectroscopic properties of the fluoroindate glasses co-doped with Er3+/Ho3+. Structural analysis showed that erbium and holmium ions were modifier ions and depolymerizedof the fluoroindate glass network. The energy transfer processes between rare - earth ions in fluoroindate glasses pumped by and 980 nm laser diode have been also examined. Due to partial Er3+ → Ho3+ energy transfer and superposition of Er3+: 4I 11/2 → 4I 13/2 (2.77 μm)+ Ho3+: 5I 6 → 5I 7 (2.85 μm) radiative transitions in fluoroindate glass co-doped with 0.8ErF 3 /1.6HoF 3 , a broadening 3 μm luminescence (Δλ= 201 nm) was obtained. The overall energy transfer efficiency η ET1 + η ET2 was calculated to be 95% indicating efficient sensitization of the holmium ions by erbium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Fully amorphous rare earth co-doped barium gallo-germanate glasses were synthesized using the traditional melt quenching-technique. The glass systems were doped with selected pairs of rare earths Dy3+/Ce3+ and Dy3+/Tm3+ ions. To study the spectroscopic properties of gallo-germanate glasses co-doped with Dy3+ and Ln3+ (Ln = Ce, Tm) ions, the luminescence spectra and luminescence decay curves were recorded. It was observed that luminescence bands corresponding to characteristic transitions of Ln3+ (Ln = Ce, Tm) and dysprosium ions are present in the emission spectra measured under direct excitation of Ln3+. The experimental results indicate that energy transfer between dysprosium and cerium/thulium ions is effective. From the emission spectra, the Commission Internationale de I'Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates (x, y) were calculated in relation to the potential application of gallo-germanate glasses for white LEDs. It has been proved that our glass systems exhibit white emission originating from the simultaneous generation of several bands of Dy3+, Ce3+/Tm3+ under the UV-visible light excitation. Highlights • The rare earth co-doped barium gallo-germanate glasses were synthesized. • The luminescence spectra and luminescence decay curves were registered. • The energy transfer between dysprosium and cerium/thulium ions was examined. • The glass systems exhibit white emission under the UV-visible light excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead borate glasses doubly doped with Dy 3+ –Tb 3+ were investigated using optical spectroscopy: photoluminescence and decay time measurements. The main green emission band due to the 5 D 4 → 7 F 5 transition of Tb 3+ was observed under excitation of Dy 3+ . The energy transfer process from Dy 3+ to Tb 3+ occurs through nonradiative processes. The energy transfer efficiencies and transfer probabilities as a function of a square of the total rare earth ions concentration using Förster method were calculated. The nonlinear behavior of the energy transfer probability and the luminescence intensity ratio for a higher concentration of acceptor was studied taking into account the possible processes: concentration quenching and partial crystallization of the lead borate glasses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2 μm and upconversion emission in low phonon (805 cm −1 ) germanate glass and double-clad optical fibers co-doped with 0.7Yb 2 O 3 /(0.07–0.7)Ho 2 O 3 ions have been investigated. Glasses with the strongest emission intensity (0.7Yb 2 O 3 /0.15Ho 2 O 3 and 0.7Yb 2 O 3 /0.35Ho 2 O 3 ) were used as core of double-clad (DC) optical fibers and comparative analysis of their luminescent properties have been performed. The spectral overlapping between emission and absorption bands at near-infrared (2 μm) in glass and DC optical fibers caused red shifting with the increase of optical fiber length. Differences in luminescence spectra measured for bulk glass and double-clad optical fibers in both visible and near-infrared spectral ranges have been presented and discussed in details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead bismuth gallate glasses doped with Eu 3+ and Dy 3+ ions were examined using excitation and luminescence measurements. From excitation spectrum of Eu 3+ ions the electron–phonon coupling strength and phonon energy of the glass host was calculated. Strong luminescence quenching of Dy 3+ and enhancement of Eu 3+ is well observed, which is due to presence of Bi 3+ → Eu 3+ and Dy 3+ → Bi 3+ energy transfer processes in lead bismuth gallate glass. Luminescence decay analysis and calculations based on Inokuti–Hirayama model confirms this hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]