Investigation of energy transfer mechanism in Gd3+ to Sm3+ and Eu3+ in borate glasses for the application of solid-state lighting devices

Abstract

This investigation provides insightful information on the spectral characteristics and energy transfer mechanisms from Gd³⁺ to Eu³⁺ and Sm³⁺ ions in borate glasses. The main purpose of this study was to enhance the luminescent properties of the developed glasses, making them suitable candidates for solid-state lighting (SSL) applications. The study demonstrated efficient energy transfer mechanisms, contributing to superior emission characteristics. Borate glasses tri-doped with varying amounts of Sm³⁺, Eu³⁺, and Gd³⁺ were synthesized using the high-temperature melt-annealing technique. Spectroscopic techniques such as transmittance, photoluminescence (PL), and X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) were employed to investigate the electronic transitions and luminescence properties of the synthesized glasses. The optical bandgap and J-O intensity parameters were computed from the optical absorbance spectrum. Radiative characteristics were identified from the photoluminescence emission spectra. The chromaticity coordinates confirmed orange-red light emission, indicating the energy transfer phenomena from Gd³⁺ to Sm³⁺ and Eu³⁺ in the host glasses. The results confirmed that the energy transfer significantly enhanced the luminescence properties, particularly in the visible region, making the glass a promising candidate for solid-state lighting applications, including display technologies, phosphors, lighting equipment, and optoelectronics. Further investigations will be conducted in future studies to fully explore and maximize the application potential of these glass materials.