Effect of yttrium oxide addition on absorption and emission properties of bismuth-doped silicate glasses

Y/Bi co-doped silicate glasses were prepared, and the effects of Y2O3 on the absorption and emission properties were investigated by spectrum measurement. It was found that the absorption intensity in visible region decreases with increase of Y3+ concentration in (70–x)SiO2- xY2O3-30CaO-1.5Bi2O3 (x=0 mol.%, 1 mol.%, 3 mol.%, 5 mol.%, 7 mol.%) glasses. The emissions centered at 410, 630, 1200 and 1290 nm were observed under 280, 470, 514 and 808 nm excitation, respectively. The emission intensity had the similar change tendency in the visible and near infrared region. We also discussed the actual role of Y3+ ions playing in the visible and near infrared emissions of the silicate glasses.