SiO2-K2O-MgO vitreous films doped with erbium and silver nanoparticles for optical applications

► Vitreous films of 75SiO2·15K2O·10MgO composition were prepared by a sol-gel technique. ► Films thicker than 1 μm were obtained in a few layers. ► Erbium ions and Ag nanoparticles were added successfully to the films. ► The properties of nanoparticles remained unchanged throughout the whole process.