Luminescence and X-ray Diffraction Studies of Rare Earth Doped Silica Sol-Gel Glass

Abstract

We present recent work exploring the effects of aluminum co-doping on the luminescent properties of rare earth ions in sol-gel glasses. Using x-ray diffraction techniques we have identified the formation of aluminum rich nano-crystals in silica glass annealed to high temperatures. We discuss implications of these results in understanding the impact aluminum co-doping has on rare earth luminescence in sol-gel glass.