Effective sensitization of Eu3+ ions on Eu3+/Nd3+ co-doped multicomponent borosilicate glasses for visible and NIR luminescence applications

Abstract Eu3+/Nd3+ co-doped multicomponent borosilicate glasses (ND1E: 10BaO +10ZnF2+10K2O +20SiO2+(49-x) B2O3+1Nd2O3+xEu2O3) were prepared by conventional melting and rapid quench technique to evaluate the effect of Eu3+ ions in the Nd3+ doped glasses. Thermal stability, structural and spectroscopic characteristics of the ND1E glasses were investigated by using DSC, XRD, FTIR, Optical absorption, excitation and emission measurements. The Judd – Ofelt (JO) analysis is implemented to the absorption spectrum of the prepared glassy matrix in order to identify their potential applicability in lasing devices. Enhancement of 7F0 → 5L6 band (394 nm) with the increasing concentration of Eu3+ ion in the Nd3+ excitation spectra (λemi = 1060 nm) reveals the possibility of obtaining the characteristic fluorescence spectra of Nd3+ ion with the typical excitation wavelengths (Nd3+ = 584 nm and Eu3+ = 394 nm) of both rare earth ions and it is further verified from the emission spectrum. This interesting luminescence effect of showing excellent visible and NIR emission under 394 nm excitation mainly attributes the energy transfer mechanism between the RE3+ ions and the reason underlying this effect is discussed in detail with the help of partial energy level diagram. Energy transfer efficiency between the Eu3+ and Nd3+ ions were evaluated by using the radiative lifetimes of the prepared glasses. Also, a comparison of radiative properties and lasing characteristics of Eu3+/Nd3+ co-doped glasses with other Nd3+ glasses are reported. The emission intensities were characterized using CIE chromaticity diagram and the observed CIE coordinates shows a shift towards reddish – orange region with the increase in Eu3+ concentration. The quantum efficiency of the prepared glasses was determined experimentally. The obtained results suggest that the ND1E glassy system can be considered as a potential candidate for visible and NIR luminescence applications.