Recent Advances in Dy³⁺-Doped Glasses: A Review of Spectroscopic Behavior and White Light Emission for Photonic Technologies

Abstract

Dy³?-doped glass systems have garnered considerable interest as potential materials for white light-emitting diodes (W-LEDs), solid-state lasers, optical thermometry, and multifunctional photonic devices. This literature review thoroughly examines significant research on Dy³?-doped glasses with diverse host compositions, such as phosphate, borate, tellurite, lead phosphate, aluminofluoroborophosphate, oxyfluoro-borophosphate, boro-tellurite, and multicomponent borate matrices. The spectroscopic characteristics were primarily examined by Judd-Ofelt theory, which indicated elevated ?? values, signifying pronounced asymmetry and covalent bonding around Dy³? ions in the majority of hosts. Characteristic emissions at around 480 nm (blue: ?F?/? ? ?H??/?) and 575 nm (yellow: ?F?/? ? ?H??/?) were regularly recorded, with the yellow-to-blue intensity ratio (Y/B) adjustable via glass composition, modifier cations, co-dopants (e.g., Eu³?), and Dy³? concentration. Numerous studies achieved near-optimal white light output with CIE coordinates around (0.33, 0.33) and linked colour temperatures appropriate for indoor and display illumination. Methods include fluoride inclusion, heavy metal oxide addition, and co-doping significantly decreased phonon energy, inhibited non-radiative relaxation, and improved radiative transition probabilities. In addition to illumination, some research revealed other capabilities such as thermoluminescence for dosimetry, gamma radiation attenuation, optical thermometry via fluorescence intensity ratio, and prospective laser gain medium attributed to elevated stimulated emission cross-sections. The examined literature underscores the adaptability of Dy³?-activated glassy hosts, providing economical, stable, and efficient substitutes for traditional phosphor systems. These materials have significant potential for next-generation solid-state illumination, multifunctional photonic devices, and enhanced sensing technologies.