Influence of Y2O3 on the structure and luminescence of Eu2+ doped borosilicate glasses

In the present work, Eu2+ doped borosilicate glasses were prepared through high temperature melting processing at the reducing atmosphere. The influence of Y2O3 on the structure and luminescent properties was investigated. The glass structure was characterized by FTIR, and the luminescent properties were measured by optical absorption spectra, excitation spectra and emission spectra. The emission spectra included an intense fluorescence band centered at 440 nm or 480 nm (blue) corresponding to the 5d → 4f transition of Eu2+. The number of bridge oxygen decreased with the increase of Y2O3, which leads to the absorption of host and Eu2+ stronger and closer. Especially, the excitation at 385 nm and energies transferring from host to Eu2+ were both enhanced with the proper Y2O3, which is significant for the laser diode and light-emitting diodes. Thus, the Y2O3 incorporation in Eu2+ doped borosilicate glasses could be exploited to be a promising blue laser material and luminescent materials for LEDs.