Photoluminescence from germanate glasses containing silicon nanocrystals and erbium ions

We report the first observation of photoluminescence enhancement in Er3+ doped GeO2–Bi2O3 glasses containing silicon nanocrystals (Si-NCs) excited by a laser operating at 980 nm. The growth of ≈200% in the intensity of the Er3+ transition 4S3/2→4I15/2 (545 nm) and of ≈100% for transitions 2H11/2→4I15/2 (525 nm), 4F9/2→4I15/2 (660 nm), and 4I5/2→4I13/2 (1530 nm) was observed in comparison with a reference sample that does not contain Si-NCs. The results open a new road for obtaining efficient Stokes and anti-Stokes emissions in germanate composites doped with rare-earth ions.