Effect of CdS nanoparticles on fluorescence from Sm3+ doped SiO2 glass

► CdS nanoparticles were incorporated in Sm3+-SiO2 matrix. ► Fluorescence intensity increased in presence of CdS nanoparticles. ► Annealing temperature play an important role in the fluorescence intensity of Sm3+:CdS doped sol-gel silica glass. ► Non-linear parameterization indicate the high optical quality of the Sm3+:CdS doped sol-gel silica glass.