Impact of Ag species on luminescence and spectroscopic properties of Eu doped fluoro-phosphate glasses

In this paper, we investigate the influence of silver (Ag) doping concentration on structural, luminescence and spectroscopic features of Eu3+ doped fluoro-phosphate glasses. Highly transparent glasses were prepared using the classic melt-quenching route. The vitreous structure of the glasses has been confirmed by XRD analysis. Absorption and luminescence studies indicate the presence of different Ag species in the glassy host. Our results suggest that the greatest enhancement of Eu3+ luminescence can be ensured by an energy transfer (ET) from single Ag+ ions and molecular-like (ML)-Ag nanoclusters (NCs), as evidenced by a maximum increase in Eu3+ luminescence intensity upon excitation of 442 nm, which is the direct excitation of these species. Judd-Ofelt model was used to investigate the local structure around the active Eu3+ ions and evaluate their radiative parameters under Ag doping. Such parameters suggest that the present glass is promising as efficient and stable luminophore.

Automated summary

This study investigated the influence of silver (Ag) doping concentration on the structural, luminescence, and spectroscopic features of Eu3+ doped fluoro-phosphate glasses. It was found that the greatest enhancement of Eu3+ luminescence can be achieved through energy transfer from single Ag+ ions and molecular-like Ag nanoclusters. The Judd-Ofelt model was used to assess the local structure around the active Eu3+ ions and their radiative parameters under Ag doping, indicating promising prospects for the glass as an efficient and stable luminophore.