Superbroadband near-IR nano-optical source based on bismuth-doped high-silica nanocrystalline zeolites

We have shown that efficient superbroadband near-IR luminescence can be realized in bismuth-doped high-silica nanocrystalline zeolites. The emission band covered the range of 930-1620 nm, with a maximum peak at 1146.3 nm, an FWHM of 152 nm, and a lifetime of over 300 mus under the excitation of a 488 nm laser line. The observed luminescence was attributed to subvalent Bi (Bi(+)) ions formed in the annealed zeolites. These Bi-doped nanozeolites may find applications as superbroadband near-IR nano-optical sources.