Enhanced luminescence from Y2O3:Nd3+ nano-powders embedded in a silica glass matrix

Abstract

Nd3+ doped Y2O3 nano-powders were synthesized using the thermal decomposition method with an average particle size of 10 nm, estimated by XRD and TEM measurements. The nano-powders were inserted into the silica glass matrix during the fabrication of the glasses using the sol–gel method. The obtained samples were characterized both structurally and optically. The TEM images of the Y2O3:Nd3+ nano-powders in the silica glass matrix indicated that the nano-powders were dispersed homogeneously in the glass matrix. The emission spectra of the samples with those of freestanding nano-powders showed that the sharp emission peaks became wider and the Stark levels disappeared after introducing nano-powders into the silica. The decay times of the 4F3/2 level were found to enhance after introducing nano-powders into the silica matrix.