Pr3+ doped oxyfluoride silicate glasses for LEDs

The Pr3+ doped oxyfluoride silicate glasses prepared by melt-quenching method are investigated. It is found that the replacement of CaO with Na2O in glass composition favors the formation of CaF2 crystals during the melt quenching process. The addition of Al2O3 and ZnO into glass composition enhances the P-3(0) -> H-3(4) emission of Pr3+ ions. The self-excitation of Pr3+ is observed under the excitation wavelength of 443 nm, which can be strengthened with the increase of CaF2 crystal content. Furthermore, a unique emission peak at 690 nm is displayed in the glass containing crystalline Al2O3. Time-resolved emission spectra and decay curves reveal that the emission at 481 nm decays faster than that at 600 nm. The Pr3+ doped oxyfluoride silicate glasses have promising prospects in light emitting diode applications.