Investigation of the local environment of Eu3+ in a silicophosphate glass using site-selective spectroscopy and Molecular Dynamics simulations

• Published in: Optical materials 2017-02, Vol.64, p.479-488
• Main Authors: Ben Slimen, F., Haouari, M., Ben Ouada, H., Guichaoua, D., Raso, P., Bidault, X., Turlier, J., Gaumer, N., Chaussedent, S.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Luminescence; Molecular Dynamics; Physics; Rare-earth; Silicate glasses; Sol-gels
• ISSN: 0925-3467; 1873-1252
• DOI: 10.1016/j.optmat.2017.01.002

Silicophosphate glasses (SiO2-P2O5) doped with Eu3+ ions were synthesized by the sol-gel process. Optical properties of these glasses were investigated by means of emission spectra and lifetime measurements. The Fluorescence Line Narrowing (FLN) technique was also used to explore the local structure around the Eu3+ ions in this host and to understand the role of phosphate as a codopant. As it is the case for aluminum, the ability of phosphate to avoid the rare earth clustering was investigated, and the role of this codopant in modifying the local order around the rare earth ion was evidenced. The analysis of the FLN spectra and lifetime measurements is consistent with this interpretation. Molecular Dynamics simulations were performed to evaluate and confirm these structural features. Two classes of europium sites were distinguished in agreement with the experimental characterization. •Analysis of a Eu3+/P5+-codoped silicate glass using europium as structural probe.•Two transition temperatures are revealed during the sol-gel densification process.•Site selective spectroscopy demonstrates the coexistence of two kinds of site.•Molecular Dynamics simulations comfort the spectroscopic results.•A striking difference between the role of P and Al using as a codopant.