Tunable luminescence and realization of warm white light via energy transfer from Dy3+/Er3+/Sm3+ triply doped glasses for photonic applications

The spectroscopic exploration of Dy3+/Er3+/Sm3+ singly, doubly and triply doped BaO + ZnF2+K2O + SiO2+B2O3 glasses have been carried out through photoluminescence excitation and emission, decay profiles, CIE color co-ordinates and correlated color temperature (CCT) values. Co-occurrence of Dy3+, Er3+ and Sm3+ luminescent bands in the fluorescence spectra of Dy3+/Er3+/Sm3+ triply doped multicomponent borosilicate glasses with different excitation wavelengths (348, 374, 379 and 400 nm) emphasizes the existence of energy transfer processes and is studied in detail. The luminescence intensity of Er3+ and Sm3+ bands has shown a remarkable reduction with the increase in Dy3+ content, whereas Dy3+ bands seemed to be enhanced monotonously. Luminescent kinetics of as-prepared samples were investigated thoroughly by using recorded decay profiles and the observed decrement in lifetime values validated proposed Er3+ (or Sm3+) to Dy3+ energy transfer routes. The energy transfer efficiency was considerably increased with the increase in concentration of Dy3+ ions and is substantially interpreted using partial energy level diagrams. The estimated CCT values and CIE color co-ordinates of the prepared samples were significantly changed from reddish-orange to warm white light and it suggests the suitability of the material for lighting applications. [Display omitted] •Multicomponent borosilicate glass is optically activated with Dy3+/Er3+/Sm3+ ions.•The influence of Dy3+ ions on the spectroscopic properties of triply doped glasses was examined.•Luminescent kinetics of as-prepared samples were investigated thoroughly by using photoluminescence decay profiles.•Energy transfer from Er3+ (or Sm3+) to Dy3+ occurs.•Tunable luminescence was observed in the glassy system under different excitation wavelengths.