Erbium-to-dysprosium energy-transfer mechanism and visible luminescence in lead-cadmium-fluorogermanate glass excited at 405 nm

Erbium-to-dysprosium energy-transfer and visible luminescence in the blue, green, yellow, red, and NIR is reported in PbGeO3:PbF2:CdF2 glass under 405 nm excitation. Absorption and excitation spectra were examined in the UV–VIS-IR spectral region. Emission showed a decrease in the Er3+ emissions around 520 and 545 nm when Dy3+ was added to the host matrix, while the Dy3+ emission around 576 nm (4F9/2 – 6H13/2) increased concomitantly. The recorded lifetime for Er3+ emissions also decreased, as Dy3+ concentration was increased for fixed Er3+ content. No similar behavior was observed when Er3+ concentration varied, confirming a one-way Er3+-to-Dy3+ energy transfer mechanism.