Abstract
Li2O-HfO2-SiO2-Tm2O3:Au2O3 glass samples (containing fixed content of Tm2O3 and different concentration of Au2O3) were prepared and characterized. Bearing of Au0 metallic particles (MPs) on improving blue emission of thulium ions (Tm3+) ions was explored. Optical absorption (OA) spectra exhibited multiple bands excited from 3H6 of Tm3+. Additionally, a broad peak in the wavelength range 500–600 nm due to surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of Au0 MPs was noticed in the spectra. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra (of thulium free glasses) indicated a peak in the visible range due to sp → d electronic transition of Au0 MPs. Luminescence spectra of Tm3+ and Au2O3 co-doped glasses exhibited intense blue emission with substantial increase of intensity with increase of Au2O3 content. Bearing of Au0 MPs on the reinforcement of blue emission of Tm3+ was discussed in detail with kinetic rate equations.
