Enhanced Tb3+ luminescence by non-radiative energy transfer from Gd3+ in silicate glass

A study of energy transfer was performed in gadolinium–terbium-doped silicate glasses at room temperature. Enhanced Tb3+ luminescence and a decrease in the Gd3+ emission were observed as a result of energy transfer from Gd3+ ions to Tb3+ ions. The energy transfer efficiencies, transfer probabilities as well as average donor–acceptor distances were also calculated. It is concluded that the energy transfer mechanism between Gd3+ and Tb3+ ion is mainly electric dipole–dipole in nature.