Plasmonic effect of silver nanoparticles on the upconversion emissions of Sm3+-doped sodium-borosilicate glass

• Reduction of Ag ions to Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in borosilicate glass.
• Presence of silver NPs with average size of ∼8–14 nm.
• Observation of SPR band of silver NPs at about 430 nm.
• Enhancement of upconversion emissions of Sm3+ ions.

The effect of the localized surface plasmon resonance (SPR) on optical absorption and photoluminescence of Sm3+-doped sodium borosilicate glass containing reduced silver nanoparticles (NPs) is reported (Ag+ → Ag0). The interaction of ultraviolet light by metallic NPs and its effect on the optical properties of samarium in proposed glass were investigated by absorption and photoluminescence spectra analysis. The existence of the NPs was pursued by transmission electron microscopy technique, revealing the existence of Ag NPs with average size of ∼8–14 nm. The largest enhancement was achieved for emission at 561 nm. Such improvements were attributed and discussed by enhanced electric field around metallic NPs and energy transfer (ET) between Sm3+ ions and silver NPs.

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