Long-lived emission from Eu3+:PbF2 nanocrystals distributed into sol–gel silica glass

Abstract

This paper reports an optical investigation of Eu 3+ :PbF 2 nanocrystals distributed into silica glasses fabricated by sol–gel methods. The sample microstructure was investigated using scanning transmission electron microscopy. The β-cubic PbF 2 crystalline phase was identified using X-ray diffraction analysis. The observed emission bands correspond to 5 D 0 → 7 F J (J = 0–4) transitions of Eu 3+ . The spectroscopic parameters for Eu 3+ ions were determined based on excitation and emission measurements as well as luminescence decay analysis. Emission originating from 5 D 0 state of Eu 3+ ions in sample containing PbF 2 nanocrystals is long-lived in comparison to precursor sol–gel silica glasses.