Energy transfer process from Zn1-xMnxTe nanocrystals to Eu3+ ions embedded in host glass

P2O5-ZnO -Al2O3 - BaO - PbO phosphate glass system, doped with Zn1-xMnxTe nanocrystals (NCs) and with Eu2O3 (1 wt %) were successfully prepared. All samples were characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), optical absorption (OA), photoluminescence (PL) and lifetime. TEM images confirm the formation of Zn1-xMnxTe NCs and EPR spectra confirm the substitutional incorporation of Mn2+ ions in these NCs. The overlap between the Mn(2+ )ion emission band (T-4(1) [(4)G] ->(6)A(1 )[S-6] transition) and the Eu3+ ion absorption bands (F-7(0) -> D-5(0,1)) suggests energy transfer (ET) from Mn2+ to Eu3+ ions. This ET phenomenon has been confirmed by PL spectra and decay curves, since the doping with Eu2O3 cause the decay of Mn2+ emission intensity when comparing with the emission of the Zn0.99Mn0.01Te sample, as well as of the T-4(1) ((4)G) state lifetime. These results indicate that the said glass system can be potential candidates for use in various technological applications.