Three primary colors emitting from Er3+–Eu3+ co-doped oxygen-deficient glasses

Three individual primary colors were generated from only one piece of Er3+–Eu3+ co-doped oxygen-deficient germanate glass under UV light irradiation. Blue, green, and red emissions were originated from Ge-related oxygen-deficient defect centers (GODCs), Er3+ ions, and Eu3+ ions, respectively. Detailed photoluminescence spectra, decay curve analyses, and electron paramagnetic resonance measurements were carried and the results indicate the existence of energy transfer between Er3+ and Eu3+ ions, GODCs and Eu3+ ions.

Graphical abstract.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Three individual primary colors were generated from only one piece of Er3+–Eu3+ co-doped oxygen-deficient germanate glass under UV light irradiation. ► Blue, green, and red emissions originated from Ge-related oxygen-deficient defect centers (GODCs), Er3+ ions, and Eu3+ ions were excited by UV lights with wavelength of 340, 379, and 395 nm, respectively. ► Energy transfers from Er3+ ions to Eu3+ ions and from GODCs to Eu3+ ions were responsible for the generation of three primary colors.