Optical spectroscopy and waveguide fabrication in Sm3+/Tb3+ doped zinc–sodium–aluminosilicate glasses

A spectroscopic investigation of sodium–zinc–aluminosilicate glasses activated with Sm3+ and Tb3+/Sm3+ ions is performed through their luminescence spectra and decay times. Yellowish-green light emission, with x = 0.37 and y = 0.58 CIE chromaticity coordinates, is obtained in the Tb3+/Sm3+ codoped glass excited at 318 nm. Such yellowish-green emission is generated by the simultaneous emission of Tb3+ and Sm3+ ions, samarium being sensitized by the terbium through a non-radiative energy transfer. From spectroscopic data it is inferred that this energy transfer takes place between Tb3+ and Sm3+ clusters through a short-range interaction mechanism. Optical waveguides are also effectively produced in the glasses by Ag+–Na+ ion exchange.

► Yellowish-green emission can be generated from Tb3+ and Sm3+ co-doped zinc–sodium–aluminosilicate glasses excited at 318 nm.
► This frequency conversion may be exploited for a better management of solar energy spectrum in solar cell systems.
► The Sm3+ is sensitized by Tb3+ through a non-radiative energy transfer.
► Highly multimode waveguides can be fabricated by diluted silver–sodium exchange.