Broadband NIR-emitting Te cluster-doped glass for smart light source towards night-vision and NIR spectroscopy applications

Broadband near-infrared (NIR)-emitting materials are crucial components of the next generation of smart MR light sources based on blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Here, we report a Te cluster-doped borate glass, which exhibits ultra-broadband emission around 980 nm with a full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of 306 nm under blue light excitation. We propose adjustments of glass chemistry and processing condition as a means for topochemical tailoring of the NIR photoemission characteristics in such materials. Through implementing strongly reducing conditions during glass melting, Te clusters with broad MR photoluminescence can be generated and stabilized once the melt is vitrified to the glassy state. Tunability of the MR emission peak over the wavelength range of 904 to 1026 nm is possible in this way, allowing for fine adjustments of spectral properties relative to the stretching vibrations of common chemical bonds, for example, in water, proteins, and fats. This potentially enables high sensitivity in MR spectroscopy. We further demonstrate potential application of glass-converted LEDs in night vision. (C) 2022 Chinese Laser Press

Automated summary

A Te cluster-doped borate glass with ultra-broadband near-infrared emission under blue light excitation is reported. Topochemical tailoring of the near-infrared photoemission characteristics in such materials can be achieved through adjustments of glass chemistry and processing condition. This research is of great significance in the fields of smart lighting sources and biomedical spectroscopy.