Investigation of Ce3+ luminescence in borate-rich borosilicate glasses

Abstract An investigation of Ce-activated borate-rich borosilicate glasses was performed in a composition range previously unexplored, with high B 2 O 3 :SiO 2 ratios from 4.83:1 to 8.75:1. Glass samples were prepared by the melt quenching method in air. Samples were individually heated for 15 min at 1000 °C, evaluated for weight loss due to the release of volatile species, followed by a final melt for 15 min at 1000 °C, and then annealed at 350 °C for one hour to enhance stability. Particular emphasis was placed on the luminescence of the glasses investigated under X-ray and ultraviolet excitation. Luminescence was interpreted in terms of defects and Ce 3 + in different environments. The results indicated it was possible to achieve a composition of the host matrix that exhibited ultraviolet transparency cutoff at 326 nm and a well-defined emission from Ce 3 + , especially under X-ray excitation.