Enhanced photoluminescence properties of Sm3+ ions in Cu+ and Sn2+ co-doped P2O5:BaO glass

•Optical properties of ionic copper and tin centers in Sm3+-containing phosphate glass assessed.•Connection between optical and structural properties demonstrated.•Enhanced Sm3+ luminescence observed as consequence of Cu+ ions and Sn centers incorporation.•Influence of heat treatment on material optical properties evaluated.

Luminescent glasses activated with Sm3+ ions are of current interest given their potential for a wide range of photonic applications. In this work, Sm3+-containing P2O5:BaO glasses are prepared by a simple melt-quench method, and the influence of CuO and SnO co-doping on Sm3+ photoluminescence (PL) is investigated. Optical absorption, solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and PL spectroscopy are employed in the assessment of material optical and structural properties. The data indicates that monovalent copper ions and twofold-coordinated Sn centers are successfully stabilized in the matrix and both species can enhance the orange–red emission of Sm3+ ions. The optical properties of the material after heat treatment have been also assessed. Results indicate the chemical reduction of ionic copper via Sn2+ ultimately producing Cu nanoparticles as evidenced by the surface plasmon resonance. As a result, Sm3+ PL diminishes consistent with an excitation energy transfer to plasmonic Cu particles, i.e. the “plasmonic diluent” effect prevails.

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