Luminescence and energy transfer process in Cu^+,Sm^3+ co-doped sodium silicate glasses

Highly transparent Cu+, Sm3+ co-doped sodium silicate glasses were prepared by melt-quenching technique. The optical and luminescent properties of Cu+, Sm3+ single-doped and co-doped glasses, and energy transfer process from Cu+ to Sm3+ were systemically investigated through absorption, excitation, emission spectra and lifetime measurement. Tuning the concentration of Sm3+ can generate the varied hues from yellowish green to orange. Our results suggest that Cu+, Sm3+ co-doped glasses may be used as converting phosphors for UV-excitation white LEDs.