Luminescence of Tb3+-doped high silica glass under UV and X-ray excitation

Tb3+-doped silica glass was prepared as a luminescent material by impregnation of 0.1 M TbCl3 solution into a porous silica glass followed by high temperature sintering in a CO reducing atmosphere. Under the 225 nm UV and X-ray excitations the intense violet-blue Tb3+ luminescence from 5D3 level is observed, comparable in intensity to the green emission starting from the 5D4 level. Luminescence decay times of 1.18 and 2.18 ms are obtained, respectively, for the emission transitions starting from 5D3 and 5D4 levels. Relative concentration of Tb ions participating in cross-relaxation process is estimated. The integral scintillation efficiency obtained for this Tb3+-doped silica glass under X-ray excitation is of about 104% of that of the reference Bi4Ge3O12 scintillation crystal.

► Photo- and radioluminescence of Tb3+-doped high silica glass are presented.
► It shows high integral scintillation efficiency of about 104% of BGO crystal.
► Strong emission from 5D3 and 5D4 levels is obtained under UV and X-ray excitation.
► Similar population mechanism of 5D3 level is obtained under both excitation modes.
► Relative concentration of Tb ions participating in cross-relaxation process is estimated.