Energy transfer between silver clusters and europium Eu3+ ions in photo-thermo-refractive glasses

Photo-thermo-refractive glass is a promising material because it combines the properties of several monofunctional materials in it. These glasses can be doped with rare earth ions and can then be used for many practical applications. But the major problem is the low absorption coefficient. So, a lot of research has been done to grow silver nanoclusters and nanoparticles for improving the spectroscopic properties of rare-earth ions. In this study we present a way to transfer energy from silver clusters to Eu3+ ions in the PTR glass. These results can be used for developing warm white LEDs and down converters for solar cells.