Thermostimulated Formation of Silver Nanoaggregates and Their Effect on the Photoluminescence of Nd3+ Ions in Barium Phosphate Glass

Abstract

Phosphate glasses with a high concentration of Nd³⁺ ions are key components for the development of efficient near-infrared (NIR) laser systems. The sensitization of Nd³⁺ ion luminescence in BaO–P₂O₅ glass using Ag nanoaggregates is investigated in this study. The results show that the thermally stimulated formation of \({\text{Ag}}_{m}^{n+}\) molecular clusters allow a 15-fold enhancement of the photoluminescence intensity of Nd³⁺ ions, whereas the formation of plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) did not achieve such an enhancement. These results open new perspectives for controlling the properties of phosphate glasses and improving the efficiency of laser systems.