  The sol-gel technique was developed for preparation of silica glasses doped
with europium and copper chalcogenide nanoparticles. A synthesis of copper
compounds proceeded within the solid matrix at the different steps of the
process, and features of final products can be controlled by the precursor
composition and heat treatment conditions. Eu3+-ions within the silica matrix
serves as a luminescent probe sensitive to the environment and a tool for
studies of energy transfer between different absorption and emission centers
with efficient light absorption in nanoparticles and emission by Eu3+.
