Energy transfer in Sm3+:Eu3+ system in zinc sodium phosphate glasses

The mechanism of nonradiative energy transfer process in zinc sodium phosphate glass system co-doped with samarium and europium ion has been examined under cw laser excitation. Donor-acceptor distance and quantum efficiency of transfer have been evaluated using the relevant theoretical expressions. Transfer probabilities have been determined using the overlap integral and relative fluorescence methods. The Forster-Dexter theoretical predictions are found to be in excellent agreement with experimental results. The nonresonant energy transfer assisted by phonons is the dominant transfer mechanism in the concentration range taken. Excitation spectra and the decay profile of the samarium ion also support the energy transfer from samarium to europium. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.