Effect of cerium on luminescence and irradiation resistance of Tb3+ doped silicate glasses

The effect of cerium addition on luminescence and irradiation resistance of Tb3+ doped silicate glasses was investigated. Results showed that Tb3+ doped silicate glasses mainly emit weak blue (400–460 nm) and strong green (480–570 nm) fluorescences. Cerium addition has a significant effect on the luminescence of Tb3+ doped silicate glasses. Both the luminescent intensity at 550 nm and the afterglow life quickly decreases with the increasing of CeO2 concentration. However, irradiation resistance of Tb3+ doped silicate glasses can be effectively improved by CeO2 addition because the valence change reaction: Ce3+−e ↔ Ce4+ takes place during irradiation.