Adjusting valence state of europium in sintered porous glass by adding of aluminum and yttrium

Abstract We report on valence state adjusting of europium in porous glass by co-doping with aluminum or yttrium into porous glass. The influence of Al3+ and Y3+ on the emission intensity of Eu3+ and Eu2+ in sintered high-silica porous glass has been investigated. It is found that the emission intensity of Eu3+ can be increased by adding of Y3+ and Al3+, and the emission intensity of Eu2+ can be decreased by adding of Y3+ and increased by Al3+. At the same time, the emission peak position of Eu2+ can also be changed by adding of Al3+ or Y3+. It is suggested that the adjusting of valence state and the peak position shift is relative to the optical basicity of glasses or crystal field strength around REs.