Non-radiative energy transfer from Tb³⁺ to Ho³⁺ ions in zinc phosphate glass

Abstract

Steady state emission of terbium (Tb³⁺) with varying concentration of holmium (Ho³⁺) in zinc phosphate glass has been studied. Decrease in emission intensity of Tb³⁺ with increasing Ho³⁺ concentration indicates a non-radiative energy transfer from Tb³⁺ to Ho³⁺. The energy transfer mechanism, energy levels of Tb³⁺ and Ho³⁺ involved in energy transfer and other parameters necessary for the quantitative study e.g. energy transfer efficiencies, transfer probabilities, critical transfer distance etc. have been computed.