Tunable photoluminescence studies of KZABS: RE3+ (RE3+ = Tm3+, Tb3+ and Sm3+) glasses for w-LEDs based on energy transfer

Here singly and tri-doped (Tm 3+, Tb 3+ , and Sm 3+ ) borosilicate glasses in potassium Zinc alumino borosilicate (KZABS) glasses were prepared by using the melt quenching technique. The tri-doped as-prepared KZABS glasses were characterized through photoluminescence (PL) emission and PL decay to demonstrate red (Sm 3+ ), green (Tb 3+ ) and blue (Tm 3+ ) colors simultaneously and white light realization by varying the Sm 3+ ion concentration under 356 nm excitation. The energy transfer mechanism from Tm 3+ to Tb 3+ ( 1 G 4 to 5 D 4 ), Tm 3+ to Sm 3+ ( 1 G 4 to 4 G 7/2 ), and Tb 3+ to Sm 3+ ( 5 D 4 to 4 G 7/2 ) are confirmed by the lifetime values. The I–H model fitted with non-exponential decay curves reveals the dipole-dipole interaction. The temperature-dependent PL (TDPL) measurement and corresponding CIE points demonstrate the thermal stability of the as-prepared glasses. CIE coordinates and CCT values were observed near the standard white light (0.333, 0.333, and 5500 K). The results obtained reveal that Tm 3+ /Tb 3+ /Sm 3+ tri-doped KZABS glasses could be a potential candidate for the fabrication of visible RGB luminescent materials, display devices and w-LEDs. Graphical representation of luminescent characterizations for singly and tri-doped KZABS: RE 3+ (RE 3+ = Tm 3+ , Tb 3+ and Sm 3+ ) glasses. It demonstrates that the KZABS glasses doped with RE 3+ ions emit RGB colors after exciting at 356 nm excitation wavelength. A good energy transfer is observed between RE 3+ ions and confirmed via PL emission and PL decay profiles. The color of as-prepared glasses is found to be stable. All results support the suitability of the as-prepared glasses as a luminescent material in visible photonic display devices and w-LEDs. • KZABS glasses with Tm 3+ /Tb 3+ /Sm 3+ ions were prepared by melt quench technique. • XRD recorded for all the as prepared glasses confirm the glassy nature. • Dipole-dipole interaction leads to energy transfer from Tm, Tb to Sm to yield white light. • CIE coordinates fell in red, blue and green regions under 356 nm excitation. • Good color tunability can be seen from red, blue, green to white light suitable for w-LEDs.