Luminescence Features of Eu2O3-Doped Antimony Borate Glasses with High Quantum Efficiency

Boro-antimonite glasses doped with Eu3+ and having the general composition (90-x) Sb2O3–xB2O3–10Li2O-0.5Eu2O3 (x = 0 to 60 in 10 mol. % increment) were prepared using the melt quenching method. The influence of B2O3/Sb2O3 substitution on the spectroscopy and photoluminescence of Eu3+ ions was analyzed by studying the measured and calculated properties of these glasses. The relative value of a given property was shown to increase or decrease by up to 26% with the addition of up to 60 mol. % B2O3, while the number of Eu3+ ions per unit volume increased by approximately 32%. Strong emissions were obtained in association with the transitions of Eu3+ (5D0→7Fj, j = 1–4). A weak, broad emission centered at 450 nm was also detected. This emission is clearly linked to the glass composition. It originates from a potential presence of Eu2+ ions. This enhances 5D0 level emission via charge transfer. The radiative and experimental lifetimes of the 5D0 level increase linearly with B2O3 content. This results in high quantum efficiency (η) ranging from 74 to nearly 84%. Tunable chromaticity, as defined by the CIE 1931 standard, was achieved, resulting in a warm orange-red color with high brightness. These new glasses have a variety of potential laser-related applications.