Down-conversion process in Tb3+–Yb3+ co-doped Calibo glasses

The down-conversion process in Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ co-doped Calibo glasses was studied. The emission, excitation and time-resolved measurements indicated the existence of an energy conversion through the excitation of Tb³⁺ ions to near-infrared emission by Yb³⁺ ions. The emission intensity dependence on excitation power confirms that the one-photon process is responsible for the Yb³⁺ emission. An enhanced Yb³⁺ emission was observed with Yb³⁺ doping and an optimal energy transfer efficiency of 32% was obtained before reaching near-infrared emission quenching. The mechanism of the non-resonant energy transfer from Tb³⁺ to Yb³⁺ is discussed in terms of the Tb³⁺–Yb³⁺ cross-relaxation and multiphonon decay processes.