Turning ultraviolet-green into red light in transparent phosphate glasses for greenhouses

Abstract

Sb3+/Mn2+ co-doped phosphate glasses were prepared by high temperature melting method. The absorption, excitation, and emission spectra of the glasses were investigated. The glasses are transparent in the visible light region and can emit strong red light under 275, 360, 415, or 520 nm excitation. Under 275 nm excitation, the emission colors of the glasses can vary from blue to red with the increasing of Mn2+ ion concentration. The materials will be helpful in developing glass greenhouse for the green plants.