The influence of silver ion exchange on the luminescence properties of Er-Yb silicate glasses

• Published in: Optical materials Vol. 72; pp. 183 - 189
• Main Authors: Stanek, S., Nekvindova, P., Svecova, B., Vytykacova, S., Mika, M., Oswald, J., Barkman, O., Spirkova, J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.10.2017
• Subjects: Absorption; Erbium; Ion exchange; Luminescence; Silicate glass; Silver; Ytterbium; Silver; Absorption; Ytterbium; Luminescence; Ion exchange; Silicate glass; Erbium
• ISSN: 0925-3467; 1873-1252
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2017.05.053

A set of zinc-silicate glasses with different ratios of Er-Yb as well amount of Zn was fabricated. The preparation of silver doped glasses was carried out using the Ag-Na ion-exchange method to enhance Er-Yb luminescence properties of the material. The samples were also annealed for 1–5 h to further support the creation of silver nanoparticles. Intensive absorption at 980 nm was observed in absorption spectra after ion exchange and annealing as well. Also luminescence spectra in the near-infrared range were measured and results showed positive effect of ion exchange process on luminescence properties. Luminescence intensity at 1530 nm was increased almost three times. Possible mechanisms responsible for the increase of the luminescence intensity are also discussed in this paper. We suggest that the enhancement of erbium luminescence intensity is caused by the energy transfer from isolated Ag+ ions to Er. •New design of zinc-silicate glasses with Er and Yb is introduced.•Intensive absorption at 980 nm was observed after silver IE.•The Er luminescence intensity at 1530 nm increased 2.5–3.5 times after the IE.•Er luminescence intensity enhancement by energy transfer Ag-Er is discussed.•Combination of silver IE and Er in glasses for signal amplification was performed.