Amplified optical response of Dy3+-activated lithium-strontium-zinc-borate glasses: Role of Ag nanoparticles concentration changes

The melt-quenching approach was used to make a series of dysprosium ions (Dy3+)-activated lithium-strontium -zinc-borate glasses sensitised with Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). The samples were characterised to determine the role of AgNP concentration variation on their optical response. XRD and FTIR analyses validated the existence of amorphous phase and borate functional groups. TEM and EDX analyses confirmed the nucleation of AgNPs and the homogeneous distribution of precursor elements in the glass. The luminescence intensity enhancement for the blue, yellow and red bands was correspondingly 36%, 19% and 129%. The stimulated emission cross-section (79.64 x 10-22cm2) and optical gain (30.70 x 10-25cm2 s) for the glass system indicated their potential for photonic device making. With AgNPs inclusion, both CCT value and colour purity improved from 5542 -6215 K and 0.103 -0.037%, respectively. The observed amplified optical response of Dy3+ was ascribed to the NP's surface plasmon resonance-mediated effects, boosting the luminescence emission, radiative and colouri-metric characteristics of the glasses.