Visible emission and energy transfer in Tb³⁺/Dy³⁺ co-doped phosphate glasses

In this work, we systematically study the spectroscopic properties of Tb³⁺/Dy³⁺ co-doped phosphate glasses in the visible spectral region and explore the sensitization role of Dy³⁺ in the enhancement of visible fluorescence of Tb³⁺ ions. Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω₂ and Ω₄/Ω₆ of the phosphate glass as host for Tb³⁺ are calculated as 21.60 × 10^-20 cm² and 0.73, respectively, based on the measured spectral absorption. Multiple energy transfer (ET) routes from Dy³⁺ to Tb³⁺ and their efficiencies are characterized, and the enhanced fluorescence properties of Tb³⁺ are investigated, including the emission spectral strength and the spontaneous emission lifetime as functions of Dy³⁺ doping concentration. The efficient nonradiative ET processes between Dy³⁺ and Tb³⁺ allow a moderate concentration level of Tb³⁺ to achieve favorably stronger spectral absorption at blue and ultraviolet wavelengths. Tb³⁺/Dy³⁺ co-doped phosphate glass shows promising potential for phosphors and lasing operation at visible wavelengths.