Annealing time dependent 1.53µm fluorescence enhancement in Er3+-doped tellurite glasses containing silver NPs.

Silver nanoparticles (NPs) were introduced into the Er3+-doped tellurite glasses (TeO2–Bi2O3–TiO2) and their effects on the 1.53µm band fluorescence of Er3+ and thermal stability of glass host were investigated. It was found that the presence of silver NPs nucleated and grown during the heat annealing process, could improve the thermal stability and the 1.53µm band fluorescence. Maximum enhancement in the 1.53µm band fluorescence was obtained in sample heat-treated for 48h. However, further increase in the heat annealing time (~72h) reduces the fluorescence intensity. Enhancement in the 1.53µm band fluorescence is attributed to the increased local electric field induced by silver NPs whereas the quenching is ascribed to the energy transfer from Er3+ ions to silver NPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]