SiO2–K2O–MgO vitreous films doped with erbium and silver nanoparticles for optical applications

Abstract The search of new glass compositions for films produced with high optical transparency throughout the visible spectrum from 0.5 μm to the near infrared region is important for optical integrated applications. In this work, we present the preparation of SiO 2 –K 2 O–MgO vitreous sol–gel films on SiO 2 substrates co-doped with Er 3+ and Ag nanoparticles. The silver quantum dots were synthesized in continuous media ( ex situ ) by chemical reduction and isolation from media by anchoring chemical solution-compatible modifiers (aminosilanes) on their surfaces; then, they were successfully integrated into the glass matrix. We present the study of the preparation process and characterization of sol–gel matrices doped with Ag 0 nanoparticles and Er 3+ , analyzing the role of synthesis parameters and optical properties, and comparing them with other wave-guide compositions, such as PLZT and SiO 2 –B 2 O 3 .