Probe of the Si nanoclusters to Er3+ energy transfer dynamics by double-pulse excitation

In this letter the dynamics of the energy transfer (ET) process from amorphous silicon nanoclusters (Si-nc) to Er3+ ions is investigated in co-doped silica glasses. Using a double pulse setup the recovery time of the sensitizing effect is monitored and direct evidence is found for the occurrence of a fast (few hundreds ns) ET process in a sample containing large (2 nm) aggregates, while a slower transfer time of few microseconds is revealed in a sample containing very small (< 1 nm) aggregates.