• Tran, T. T. V.
• Tran, L. T. N.
• Righini, G. C.
• Massella, D.
• Derkowska-Zielinska, B.
• Lukowiak, A.
• Varas, S.
• Armellini, C.
• Taccheo, S.
• Zur, L.
• Boucher, Y. G.
• Ferrari, M.
• Dorosz, D.
• Martucci, A.
• Chiasera, A.
• Zonta, Daniele

Abstract

<p>This work focuses on the fabrication processes and photonic assessment of SiO₂-SnO₂:Er³⁺ monoliths. To obtain the crack-free and densified system, the sol-gel derived synthesis protocols and heat-treatment processes were optimized. The absorption measurements were employed to assess the effect of the heat-treatment on the samples and specially to estimate the -OH content. The XRD patterns were used to investigate the crystallization as well as the structure of the monoliths. The emission spectra, performed at different excitation wavelengths, evidence the presence of Er³⁺ in the SnO₂ nanocrystals and the energy transfer from SnO₂ to the rare earth ions. In addition, the efficient role of SnO₂ nanocrystals as Er³⁺ sensitizers are also experimentally confirmed in this system.</p>

Topics

• x-ray diffraction
• glass
• glass
• crack
• ceramic
• crystallization