Enhanced downconversion luminescence by co-doping Ce3+ in Tb3+–Yb3+ doped borate glasses

We report on effect of Ce3+ co-doping on the downconversion luminescence in Tb3+–Yb3+ co-doped borate glasses. The luminescence properties of glasses singly doped and co-doped with Ce3+, Tb3+ and Yb3+ have been investigated. After co-doping with Ce3+ in the Tb3+–Yb3+ doped glasses, the near-infrared energy transfer involving the 2F5/2 → 2F7/2 emission of Yb3+ (about 960–1040 nm) is achieved, along with eight times stronger luminescence of Tb3+: 5D4 → 7F3–5 transition. The possible mechanism of the downconversion energy transfer phenomenon was discussed. The enhancement of visible and near-infrared luminescence can improve the photovoltaic energy conversion efficiency of solar cells.