Photoluminescence of Ce3+, Tb3+, and Mn2+in Glasses of Base Composition LaMgB5O10

The photoluminescence of Ce{sup 3+}, Tb{sup 3+}, and Mn{sup 2+} ions was studied in glasses of base composition LaMgB{sub 5}O{sub 10}. An NMR spectroscopy investigation proved the close arrangement of the boron oxygen network in both crystalline and vitreous phases. Ce{sup 3+} occupies two families of sites and acts in codoped glasses as a donor in the processes of the Tb{sup 3+} and Mn{sup 2+} luminescences. A detailed analysis of the Ce{sup 3+} {yields} Mn{sup 2+} energy transfer evidences the increasing influence of the exchange mechanism as the Mn{sup 2+} acceptor concentration increases. Finally the combined luminescences of the three activators under a unique UV excitation allows the observation of white light.