Energy transfer between Bi3+ and Nd3+ in germanate glass

Energy transfer from Bi³⁺ to Nd³⁺ is reported in germanate glass. It was found that the excitation range and intensities of the ⁴F_{$\text{3}\text{2}$} → ⁴I_{$\text{9}\text{2}$}, ⁴I_{$\text{11}\text{2}$} emissions are increased several fold when excited through ¹S₀ → ³P₁ absorption of Bi³⁺. It is shown that the energy transfer is nonradiative. The energy transfer probability and efficiency were calculated from the Bi³⁺ fluorescence decay rates and intensities. The Bi³⁺ → Nd³⁺ energy transfer may be utilized in Nd³⁺ glass laser.