Effect of Zn/Si ratio on conversion luminescent properties of Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped oxyfluoride glasses used for solar cells

Abstract

Er3+/Yb3+ co-doped Na2O–CaF2–ZnO–Al2O3–SiO2 glasses with different Zn/Si ratios were prepared using the melt-quenching technique. The thermal stability was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, the absorption spectra were also analyzed to gather more information about their properties. The down-conversion luminescence corresponding to the strongest fluorescence at a wavelength of 547 nm was obtained under the 378 nm excitation, and a 4S3/2 level fluorescence lifetime was studied. By utilizing a laser pump with a wavelength of 980 nm, the process of both up-conversion and down-conversion luminescence was accomplished. In particular, the glasses substantially enhance fluorescence properties when the Zn/Si ratio is about 0.16. The changes in the Zn/Si ratio lead to modifications in the glass network structure, changing the coordination field environment around the fluorescence center and ultimately impacting the luminescence properties of the rare-earth ions. These effects are evidenced through the findings obtained from Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of the glass material.