Effect of CdS nanoparticles on photoluminescence spectra of Tb3 + in sol–gel-derived silica glasses

Abstract

CdS nanoparticles doped with Tb3 + were synthesized by sol–gel technique. The influence of CdS on the Tb3 + glass was studied by UV-Visible and luminescence spectroscopy. The luminescence intensity of the glasses increased significantly in the presence of CdS nanoparticles. Terbium ions excited into the 5 D 3 level have a rich emission spectrum in the 400–700 nm range decaying to different 7 F J levels. The intensity of violet and blue luminescence from 5 D 3 level is highly dependent on Tb3 + concentration, on presence of CdS co-dopant and annealing conditions.