Origin of light emission and enhanced Eu3+ photoluminescence in tin-containing glass

A barium-phosphate glass matrix was co-doped with SnO and Eu2O3 for investigating on material luminescent properties. Optical absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed in the characterization of tin species. The prevalence of divalent tin was indicated by the XPS data in accord with a conspicuous absorption band detected around 285 nm ascribed to twofold-coordinated Sn centers (isoelectronic with Sn2+). Photoluminescence (PL) excitation spectra obtained by monitoring Eu3+ emission from the 5D0 state revealed a broad excitation band from about 250 to 340 nm, characteristic of donor/acceptor energy transfer. Under excitation of such at 290 nm, the co-doped material exhibited a bright whitish luminescence, and a four-fold enhanced Eu3+ emission relative to a purely Eu-doped reference. Time-resolved PL spectra recorded under the excitation at 290 nm exposed a broad band characteristic of the twofold-coordinated Sn centers and emission bands of Eu3+ ions, which appeared well separated in time in accord with their emission decay dynamics. The data suggested that light absorption took place at the Sn centers (donors) followed by energy transfer to Eu3+ ions (acceptors) which resulted in populating the 5D0 emitting state. Energy transfer pathways likely resulting in the enhanced Eu3+ photoluminescence and the consequential light emission were discussed.

The optical properties of Sn2+ and Eu3+ co-doped barium-phosphate glass were assessed. Bright whitish luminescence and enhanced Eu3+ emission was observed under UV excitation of the divalent tin centers. The material shows potential for white light emitting devicesFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide