Enhanced photoluminescence of Eu3+ induced by energy transfer from In2O3 nano-crystals embedded in glassy matrix

Eu3+-doped transparent glass ceramics containing In2O3 nano-crystals were prepared by melt quenching and subsequent heating. X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscope observation, and photoluminescence excitation spectra demonstrated that In2O3 nano-particles sized 3-6 nm homogenously distributed among the glass matrix. Under excitation of these nano-particles, Eu3+ luminescence was found greatly enhanced due to the energy transfer from the oxygen-vacancy-related defects of In2O3 to Eu3+ ions. The Eu3+ content dependent energy transfer efficiency was evaluated, and the value reached 67% for 1 mol% Eu3+ doped glass ceramics. Low temperature emission spectra demonstrated that the Eu3+ ions of the glass ceramic locate mainly in the glass matrix.