Quantum cutting induced multifold enhanced emission from Cr3+-Yb3+-Nd3+ doped zinc fluoroboro silicate glass-Role of host material

Energy transfer induced multifold enhanced emission from Yb3+ is realized in a new series of Cr3+-Yb3+ co-doped as well as Cr3+-Yb3+-Nd3+ triply doped zinc fluoroboro silicate glass system. The observed multifold enhancement of Yb3+ emission under Cr3+ excitation is attributed to probable occurrence of the quantum cutting process that is credited to the present host matrix where emission of Cr3+ is red shifted to 920 nm, which is resonant with Yb3+ absorption. The sensitized luminescence of Yb3+ in the Cr3+-Yb3+ system has further been enhanced upon inclusion of Nd3+, thus demonstrating bridging action of Nd3+ ions in this energy transfer process. The energy transfer efficiency from Cr -> Yb is enhanced from 38% to 54% in the presence of Nd3+ ions. The absolute quantum yield of Yb3+ ions under Cr3+ excitation for the optimized Cr-Yb sample is found to be more than double of the Cr3+ singly doped sample and increased further in Cr-Yb-Nd doped glass confirming the contribution of quantum cutting in the energy transfer mechanism. Published by AIP Publishing.