Visible light emission from selenium color centers formed in silicate glasses

Abstract

We experimentally verify that a color center in the form of Se-2(-) takes shape in silicate glasses containing relatively small amount of ZnSe which are prepared via a conventional melt-quenching process. Samples also produce broad photoluminescence when excited with UV light source, suggesting potential applications in the visible range. Analyses based on X-ray diffraction patterns, high resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy support the formation of Se-2(-) color centers in addition to Se nanocrystals. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.