Spatial and temporal observation of energy transfer processes in Pr-doped phosphate glasses

• The spatial distribution of emitted light and photon propagation were measured.
• The measurements were made into different Pr3+ doped phosphate matrices.
• A spatially resolved microluminescence technique was used.
• The photon diffusion length for specific wavelengths was measured.

A spatially resolved microluminescence technique was used to measure the spatial distribution of emitted light and photon propagation into two different Pr3+ doped phosphate glasses. The photon diffusion length for specific wavelengths was measured. It was found that excited state re-absorption plays a crucial role in the propagation. Our results suggest that this microluminescence technique can be applied in the investigation of energy transfer processes in rare-earth doped systems.