Yb(3+)-doped GeS(2)-Ga2S(3)-CsCl glass with broad and adjustable absorption/excitation band for near-infrared...

The luminescent property of Yb(3+) ions in GeS(2)-Ga(2)S(3)-CsCl glasses with different CsCl contents has been studied. All the samples demonstrate a broad excitation band in the UV or/and visible range, depending on the composition, which is attributed to the charge transfer of the Yb(3+)-S(2-)/Cl(-) couple. The width of the excitation/absorption band can be as large as 150 nm. Moreover, with the increase of CsCl content, the peak position of the band can be continuously adjusted from 458 to 380 nm, due to the increase of the local average electronegativity around Yb(3+) ions. The broad and adjustable excitation band makes the Yb(3+)doped GeS(2)-Ga(2)S(3)-CsCl glass interesting for modifying the solar spectrum by absorbing strongly in the UV/blue region for emission around 1 μm. This kind of material is the key to adapting the solar spectrum to the response of silicon photovoltaic solar cells.