Photoluminescence and structural studies of Tb and Eu implanted at high temperatures into SiO2 films

► Eu and Tb nanoparticles were obtained by hot ion implantation into SiO2 matrix. ► TEM results indicate the formation of nanoclusters in the hot as-implanted samples. ► Samples annealed in N2 presented a broad PL band (from 370 up to 840 nm). ► O2 annealing keeps the original as-implanted PL shape independent of the N2 anneal's order.