Energy transfer from Mn2+ to Nd3+ ions embedded in a nanostructured glass system with Zn1−xMnxTe nanocrystals

Abstract

In this work, we study energy transfer (ET) processes between Mn2+ and Nd3+ ions in Nd2O3-doped P2O5–ZnO–Al2O3–BaO–PbO glass system, nanostructured with Zn1−xMnxTe diluted magnetic semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs), aiming nanotechnology applications. Transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption (OA), photoluminescence (PL), and lifetime measurements were performed for a complete characterization of the investigated materials. The TEM and XRD data confirm the formation of Zn1−xMnxTe NCs in the host glass system. The overlap between the Mn2+ ion emission band and the Nd3+ ion absorption bands suggests that an efficient resonant type energy transfer from Mn2+ to Nd3+ ions is expected. PL spectra show that the characteristic emission relative intensities of Nd3+ ions increase systematically with increasing Mn concentration. Indeed, the 4T1(4G) state lifetime of Mn2+ ions gradually decreases with rising Mn concentration. This result confirm the evidence on ET from Mn2+ ions to Nd3+ ions. In addition, the increase in the 4F3/2 state lifetime is an evidence of persistent luminescence due to the presence of Mn2+ ions.