UVC Up-Conversion and Vis-NIR Luminescence Examined in SrO-CaO-MgO-SiO2 Glasses Doped with Pr3+

Abstract

The application of ultraviolet-C light in the field of surface treatment or photodynamic therapy is highly prospective. In this regard, the stable fluorescent silicate SrO-CaO-MgO-SiO2-Pr2O3 glasses able to effectively convert visible excitation on the ultraviolet praseodymium emission were fabricated and examined. An unusual wide-range visible-to-UVC up-conversion within 240–410 nm has been achieved in Pr3+-doped glasses, revealing their potential advantage in different sophisticated disinfection technologies. The integrated emission intensity was studied as a function of light excitation power to assess a mechanism attributed to UVC luminescence. Especially, it was revealed that the multicomponent silicate glass qualities and praseodymium 3PJ excited state peculiarities are favorable to obtaining useful broadband ultraviolet up-converted luminescence. The glass dispersion qualities were determined between 450–2300 nm. The impact of praseodymium concentration on Vis-NIR spectroscopic glass qualities was evaluated employing absorption spectra, emission spectra, and decay curves of luminescence associated with two involved praseodymium excited states. Especially, efficient interionic interactions can be inferred by investigating the decrease in 1D2 state experimental lifetime in the heavily doped samples. Examination of absorption spectra as a function of temperature implied that excitation at 445 nm should be quite effective up to T = 625 K. Contrary to this, temperature elevation gives rise to a moderate lowering of the visible praseodymium luminescence.