Up-conversion luminescent characteristics of Yb3+/Tb3+/Ho3+ tri-doped phosphate glasses for solid-state lighting

Yb3+/Tb3+/Ho3+ tri-doped phosphate glasses with a chemical composition (in mol %) of 20Na2O–42ZnO–28P2O5–10B2O3 were combined by the conventional melt quenching technique. The physical properties, glass network structure, transmittance spectrum, up-conversion (UC) emission spectra, energy transfer mechanism, and chromaticity change of the prepared glasses were systematically studied. The UC emission spectra results show that the strongest UC luminescence is observed for 2.0Yb3+/1.0Tb3+/0.15Ho3+ (mol %) composition. When Yb3+ ions as sensitizer, the energy transfer of Ho3+ → Tb3+ ions happens. The physical properties indicate that the Yb3+, Tb3+, and Ho3+ ions are beneficial for a compact glass structure. It can be observed that the glasses have a strong light transmittance in the visible range, and its light transmittance is about 90%. Furthermore, Yb3+/Tb3+/Ho3+ tri-doped phosphate glass materials have better thermostability and chroma stability, these findings have significant implications for the use of advanced solid-state lighting.