Er3+ ion doped low phonon energy glass as a white light emitter

Abstract

White light emitters remain in the need of continual development and research for new materials. In this context, a low phonon energy glass containing Er 3+ ions was prepared using the conventional melt/casting technique. The chemical compositions of the synthesized materials were analyzed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) measurements. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) pattern strongly affirms the non-crystalline essence of the produced materials. The behavior of both density and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy denoted that the Er 3+ ions have a modifier role and non-bridging oxygens NBOs were formed inside the studied glass network. The studied glasses have low phonon energy, ranging from 647 to 659 cm-1. The obtained results of the thermal, thermo-mechanical, mechanical, and optical properties were discussed in light of the structural changes brought about by inserting Er 3+ ions inside the studied network. The present glasses have high thermal stability, high thermal expansion, and high refractive index. With the increase of Er 3+ ion content, the Vickers microhardness VMH decreased from 3.78 GPa to 3.20 GPa. Under near ultraviolet NUV 380 nm excitation wavelength, three emission bands; blue, green, and red are observed. The white light is possible by a suitable combination of these colors. The cool white light emission was confirmed using CIE 1931 chromaticity diagram and correlated color temperature values. According to the obtained results, the studied glasses are nominated as a white light emitter in photonic applications.