Influence of yttrium ions on the emission transfer features of Ce3+/Yb3+ co-doped lithium silicate glasses

Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra (PL) of the glasses possessing compositions (49 − x) Li2O−x Y2O3−50 SiO2:1.0 Ce2O3/1.0Yb2O3 and (49 − x) Li2O−x Y2O3−50 SiO2:(0.5 Ce2O3 + 0.5 Yb2O3) with x varying from 5 to 15 mol% were studied. The PL spectra of Ce3+ doped glasses excited at 360 nm exhibited two broad parity allowed 5d(2D) → 4f(2F5/2,7/2) bands in the blue spectral region, whereas the spectra of Yb3+ doped glasses excited at 900 nm exhibited a broad emission band centered at about 980 nm due to 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 transition. A significant enhancement in the intensity of NIR emission is observed due to the sensitization with Ce3+ ions. The increase in the rate of energy transfer from Ce3+ to Yb3+ could be observed with increasing Y2O3 content. The reasons for such improvement have been discussed within a framework of structural modifications taking place in the vicinity of Yb3+ ions.

An enhancement due to co-doping with Ce3+ ions in the intensity of NIR emission band of Yb3+ ions in Y2O3 mixed lithium silicate glasses is observed due to structural modifications.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (45 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Luminescence and absorption spectra of Ce3+ and Yb3+ co-doped Li2O−Y2O3−SiO2 glasses were studied.
► Enhancement in the intensity of 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 NIR band of Yb3+ is observed due to co-doping with Ce3+ ions.
► With the increasing Y2O3, an increase in the rate of energy transfer from Ce3+ to Yb3+ is observed.