Sensitization of neodymium ion luminescence by divalent tin

Sensitization of the Nd³⁺ ion luminescence by Sn (II) oxygen complexes in glasses was observed and investigated. It was established that excitation was transferred to the rare-earth activator from singlet and triplet states of the sensitizer and the maximum efficiency of this process was achieved at low sensitizer concentrations. The results were explained by segregation of coacti vators and concentration self-quenching of the Sn (II) luminescence. It was concluded that the radiation-optical stability of coacti vated glasses could be improved and that there were no induced color centers absorbing in the luminescence range of the Nd³⁺ ions.