Enhanced photoluminescence of Eu(3+) induced by energy transfer from In(2)O(3) nano-crystals embedded in glassy matrix.

Eu(3+)-doped transparent glass ceramics containing In(2)O(3) nano-crystals were prepared by melt quenching and subsequent heating. X-ray diffraction analysis, transmission electron microscope observation, and photoluminescence excitation spectra demonstrated that In(2)O(3) nano-particles sized 3-6 nm homogenously distributed among the glass matrix. Under excitation of these nano-particles, Eu(3+) luminescence was found greatly enhanced due to the energy transfer from the oxygen-vacancy-related defects of In(2)O(3) to Eu(3+) ions. The Eu(3+) content dependent energy transfer efficiency was evaluated, and the value reached 67% for 1 mol% Eu(3+) doped glass ceramics. Low temperature emission spectra demonstrated that the Eu(3+) ions of the glass ceramic locate mainly in the glass matrix.