Auxiliaries Ce3+/Sb3+ of Sm3+ in borosilicate glass phosphors: Optimal utilization of energetic UV photons

Sm3+-doped borosilicate (NKBSB) glass phosphors have been certified to be excited by short-wave ultraviolet (UVC), long-wave ultraviolet (UVA), violet and blue radiation. Further, the introduction of Ce3+ and Sb3+ into the Sm3+-doped NKBSB glass system significantly extends the excitable region to the whole ultraviolet (UV) radiation region, and optimally enhances the ability of Sm3+ to capture energetic UV photons. Due to the intersections of energy bands, the maximum sensitization coefficient is up to 18.9 under the cooperative sensitization of auxiliaries Ce3+ and Sb3+ on Sm3+. More interestingly, the distinguished fluorescence emissions of Ce3+-Sb3+-Sm3+ tri-doped NKBSB glasses towards entire UV excitation are identified from the images and videos. The exceptional sensitization performance and outstanding excitation extension offer insights in designing UV pumping optical devices of light color adjustment and light conversion. •Borosilicate glass phosphors with Sm3+ fluorescence centers are fabricated.•Ce3+ and Sb3+ optimized the excitation range of Sm3+ to whole UV region.•Cooperative sensitization contributes to quantitative enhancement of Sm3+ emission.•Tri-doped glass vivid responses to dynamic excitation are shown in photos and video.•Ingenious combination of sensitizers provides novel dimension of UV pumping device.