Matrix effect on absorption and infrared fluorescence properties of Bi ions in oxide glasses

Absorption and fluorescence spectra of Bi ions in multi-component oxide glasses melted in air were measured. Absorption bands in the range of 400–1000 nm and fluorescence bands at round 1210 nm were only detected in the silicate, borosilicate, borate, and germanate glasses with or without a small amount of alkali or alkaline-earth oxides. The relative IR fluorescence intensity increased with decreasing basicity of matrix glasses and with adding the Al2O3. The compositional dependence of the relative IR fluorescence intensity and the IR fluorescence mechanism are discussed in terms of redox reaction and energy diagram of bismuth-related species in oxide glasses.