Role of Al coordination in barium phosphate glasses on the emission features of Ho ion in the visible and IR spectral ranges

The glasses of the composition (39−x)BaO-xAl₂O₃-60P₂O₅:1.0Ho₂O₃ (in mol%) with x value ranging from 1.0 to 4.0 have been synthesized. The IR spectral studies of these glasses have indicated that there is a gradual transformation of Al³⁺ ions from tetrahedral to octahedral with increase in the concentration of Al₂O₃ up to 3.0 mol%. Optical absorption and fluorescence spectra (in the visible and NIR regions) of these glasses have been recorded at room temperature. The Judd-Ofelt theory could successfully be applied to characterize the absorption and luminescence spectra of Ho³⁺ ions in these glasses. From the luminescence spectra, various radiative properties like transition probability A, branching ratio β_r, the radiative lifetime τ_r and emission cross-section σ^E for various emission levels of these glasses have been evaluated. The radiative lifetime of the ⁵S₂→⁵I₈ (green emission) transition has also been measured. The variations observed in these parameters have been discussed in the light of varying co-ordinations (tetrahedral and octahedral positions) of Al³⁺ ions in the glass network. The influence of hydroxyl groups on the luminescence efficiency of the transition ⁵S₂→⁵I₈ has also been discussed. Finally the optimum concentration of Al₂O₃ for getting maximum luminescence output has also been identified and reported.     

Emission features of Ho ion in Nb2O5, Ta2O5 and La2O3 mixed Li2O-ZrO2-SiO2 glasses

Li₂O-ZrO₂-SiO₂: Ho³⁺ glasses mixed with three interesting d-block elemental oxides, viz., Nb₂O₅, Ta₂O₅ and La₂O₃, were prepared. Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of these glasses have been recorded at room temperature. The luminescence spectra of Nb₂O₅ and Ta₂O₅ mixed Li₂O-ZrO₂-SiO₂ glasses (free of Ho³⁺ ions) have also exhibited broad emission band in the blue region. This band is attributed to radiative recombination of self-trapped excitons (STEs) localized on substitutionally positioned octahedral Ta⁵⁺ and Nb⁵⁺ ions in the glass network. The Judd-Ofelt theory was successfully applied to characterize Ho³⁺ spectra of all the three glasses. From this theory various radiative properties, like transition probability A, branching ratio β_r and the radiative lifetime τ_r, for ⁵S₂ emission levels in the spectra of these glasses have been evaluated. The radiative lifetime for ⁵S₂ level of Ho³⁺ ions has also been measured and quantum efficiencies were estimated. Among the three glasses studied the La₂O₃ mixed glass exhibited the highest quantum efficiency. The reasons for such higher value have been discussed based on the relationship between the structural modifications taking place around the Ho³⁺ ions.     

Dysprosium doped alkali fluoroborate glasses—Thermal, structural and optical investigations

Thermal, structural and optical properties of Dy³⁺-doped alkali fluoroborate glasses with composition (in mol%), 49B₂O₃+25XO+25NaF+1Dy₂O₃ (where X=Li₂, Na₂, K₂, Mg and Ca), have been investigated. Thermal analysis revealed the homogeneous formation of the glasses. The FTIR spectra reveal that the glasses contain BO₃, BO₄ non-bridging oxygen atoms and strong OH⁻ bonds. From the optical absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω_λ, λ=2, 4 and 6) have been evaluated and are in turn used to predict radiative properties such as radiative transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross-section () and branching ratios (β_R) for the excited levels of Dy³⁺ ions in alkali fluoroborate glasses. The dependence of the spectral characteristics of Dy³⁺ ions due to compositional changes has been examined and reported.     

Structural and spectroscopic studies on concentration dependent Er3+ doped boro-tellurite glasses

Er³⁺ doped boro-tellurite glasses have been prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique with the chemical composition (39?x) B₂O₃+30TeO₂+15MgO+15K₂O+xEr₂O₃ (where x=0.01, 0.1, 1, 2 and 3 wt%). The structural analysis of the glasses were made through XRD, FTIR spectral measurements and the optical absorption, luminescence measurements were made to analyze the optical behavior of the prepared glasses. The bonding parameters were determined from the optical absorption spectra and were found to be ionic in nature. The experimental oscillator strengths were determined from the absorption spectra have been used to determine the Judd–Ofelt parameters. The Judd?Ofelt parameters were used to explore the important radiative parameters such as transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross-section (σ_P^E) and branching ratios (β_R) of the emission transitions ²H_9/2→⁴I_15/2 and ²H_11/2 and ⁴S_3/2→⁴I_15/2 of the trivalent erbium ions. The optical band gap energy (E_opt) values corresponding to the direct and indirect allowed transitions and the Urbach energy values of the prepared Er³⁺ doped boro-tellurite glasses have been calculated and discussed with similar studies. The spectroscopic behavior of the Er³⁺ boro-tellurite glasses have been studied by varying the trivalent erbium ion content and the results were discussed and compared with similar studies.     

Investigations on spectral features of tungsten ions in sodium lead alumino borate glass system

Na₂O–PbO–Al₂O₃–B₂O₃ (NPAB) glasses mixed with different concentrations of WO₃ (ranging from 0 to 2.5 mol%) are synthesized by conventional melt quenching method. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption, Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques. Glass formation is confirmed by X-ray diffraction spectra. The optical absorption spectra of these glasses exhibited a predominant broad band peak at about 850–870 nm is identified due to d_xy–d_x²_−y² transition of W⁵⁺ ions. From the optical absorption spectral data, optical band gap (E_opt) and Urbach energy (ΔE) are evaluated. From EPR spectra the strength of the signal is increased and hyperfine splitting is resolved with increasing concentration of WO₃ in the glass matrix. The FT-IR spectral studies have pointed out the existence of conventional BO₃, BO₄, B–O–B, PbO₄, WO₄ and WO₆ structural units of these glasses. Various physical properties and optical basicity are also evaluated with respect to the concentration of WO₃ ions.     

Spectroscopic features of Pr, Nd, Sm and Er ions in Li2O-MO (Nb2O5, MoO3 and WO3)-B2O3 glass systems

Li₂O-MO (Nb₂O₅, MoO₃ and WO₃)-B₂O₃ glasses doped with four rare earth ions, viz., Pr³⁺, Nd³⁺, Sm³⁺ and Er³⁺ (of 1.0 mol% each) were prepared. The glasses were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, ESR, optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra. From the measured intensities of various absorption bands of these glasses, the Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆ have been evaluated. The Judd-Ofelt theory could successfully be applied to characterize the absorption and luminescence spectra of these glasses. From this theory, various radiative properties like transition probability A, branching ratio β_r, the radiative life time τ_r and the emission cross-section σ^E for various emission levels of these glasses have been determined and reported. An attempt has also been made to throw some light on the relationship between the structural modifications and luminescence efficiencies of all the three glasses. The analysis of the data indicated high non-radiative losses in Nb₂O₅ mixed glasses.     

Structural and photoluminescence properties of Dy3+ doped different modifier oxide-based lithium borate glasses

Structural and photoluminescence properties of Dy³⁺ doped lithium fluoro-borate glasses with the compositions Li₂B₄O₇–BaF₂–NaF–MO (where M=Mg, Ca, Cd and Pb), Li₂B₄O₇–BaF₂–NaF–MgO–CaO and Li₂B₄O₇–BaF₂–NaF–CdO–PbO have been investigated through XRD, FTIR, optical absorption, emission and decay measurements. From the optical absorption spectra, Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω_λ, λ=2, 4 and 6) have been evaluated and are in turn used to predict radiative properties such as radiative transition probabilities (A_T), branching ratios (β_r) and stimulated emission cross sections (σ_p) for all emission levels of Dy³⁺ ion in different lithium fluoro-borate glass matrices. From the emission spectra, chromaticity color coordinates have been calculated and indicated emission color for all glass matrices. The nature of decay profiles of ⁴F_9/2 state of Dy³⁺ in all the glass matrices are analyzed.     

Influence of modifier oxide on spectroscopic and thermoluminescence characteristics of Sm ion in antimony borate glass system

Sb₂O₃-B₂O₃:Sm³⁺ glasses mixed with three different modifier oxides viz., PbO, CaO and ZnO were prepared. Optical absorption, photoluminescence and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra of these glasses have been recorded at room temperature. From the measured intensities of various absorption bands of these glasses, the Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆ have been evaluated. The Judd-Ofelt theory could successfully be applied to characterize the absorption and luminescence spectra of these glasses. From this theory, various radiative properties like transition probability A, branching ratio β_r, the radiative lifetime τ_r, and the emission cross-section σ^E for various emission levels of these glasses have been determined and reported. An attempt has also been made to throw some light on the relationship between the structural modifications and luminescence efficiencies of all the three glasses. The analysis of TL data indicates high non-radiative losses in ZnO mixed glasses.     

Synthesis and luminescent properties of BaGd2O4:Dy3+, an novel scintillating phosphor

The BaGd_2?x O₄:xDy³⁺ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.08) phosphors were synthesized at 1,300 °C in air by the solid-state reaction route. The as-synthesized phosphors were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, photoluminescence excitation spectra, photoluminescence (PL) spectra, X-ray excited luminescence (XEL) spectra, and thermoluminescence (TL) spectra. It is found that the quenching concentration of Dy³⁺ ions in BaGd₂O₄ host is dependent on the selected excitation wavelength. The optimal PL intensity for the investigated BaGd_2?x O₄:xDy³⁺ phosphors is found to be x = 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04, upon excitation by 234, 277, and 350 nm ultraviolet light, respectively. The energy transfer among Dy³⁺ ions upon excitation by 350 nm is confirmed to be an electric dipole–dipole interaction mechanism based on the fitting of Huang’s rule. In addition, the intensive XEL from BaGd₂O₄:Dy³⁺ phosphor is observed by the naked eyes at room temperature, and TL properties of the investigated phosphors are analyzed and discussed. All the results imply that the investigated phosphors could be a promising scintillating phosphor.     

Intensities of f-f transitions in Pr3+ and Dy3+ in glasses in the near-IR spectral range

The absorption spectra of Pr³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions in three glass matrices (SiO₂-P₂O₅-GeO₂, Al₂O₃-B₂O₃-SiO₂, and LiB₃O₅) are thoroughly studied in the near-IR spectral range (4600–14 300 cm^?1). The temperature dependences of the intensity, the width, and the location of the absorption bands observed are investigated for the first time. It is shown that the f-f transitions in the studied glasses are allowed by static odd distortions in the environment of the rare-earth ions and these distortions decrease with an increase in temperature. A comparative analysis of the absorption band parameters and their temperature behavior in different materials makes it possible to determine the differences in magnitudes, symmetries, and dispersions of the distortions in the nearest environment of rare-earth ions in different glasses.     

Spectral Studies of Vanadyl-Doped Cadmium–Strontium Borosilicate Glass System

Glasses with composition CdO–(20-x) SrO–B₂O₃–SiO₂–x V₂O₅ (CdSBSi) (x = 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 mol%) were prepared by melt quenching technique. The amorphous nature of prepared glasses is confirmed by X-ray diffraction. Optical absorption spectra, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements were also carried out for the prepared glass samples. The optical band gap energy (E _opt) and Urbach energy (?E) were calculated from their ultraviolet edges. The theoretical values of optical basicity (Λ _th) of glasses have been evaluated. The optical absorption spectrum exhibits two band characteristic of VO²⁺ ions in tetragonally distorted octahedral site symmetry. The two bands have been assigned to the transitions ²B₂ → ²B₁ and ²B₂ → ²E in the decreasing order of energy. The spin–Hamiltonian parameters (g and A), bonding parameters (β*² and $ \varepsilon_{\pi }^{*2} $ ), Fermi contact interaction parameter (K) have been evaluated from the EPR spectra. The VO²⁺ site symmetry is ascribed to a tetragonally (C_4v) distorted octahedron. FTIR spectra of these glasses were analyzed in order to identify the contribution of each component to the local structure. The physical properties of these glasses were also evaluated.     

Optical and electronic polarizability investigation of Nd-doped soda-lime silicate glasses

This paper reports on different physical and optical properties of Nd³⁺-doped soda-lime silicate glass. The glasses containing Nd³⁺ in (65−x)SiO₂:25Na₂O:10CaO:xNd₂O₃ (where x=0.0-5.0 mol%) have been prepared by the melt-quenching method. In order to understand the role of Nd₂O₃ in these glasses the density, molar volume, refractive index and optical absorption were investigated. The results show that the density and molar volume of the glasses increase with an increase in Nd₂O₃ concentration and consequently generate more non-bridging oxygen (NBOs) into glass matrix. The optical absorption spectra were measured in the wavelength range from 300 to 700 nm and the optical band gaps were determined. It was found that the optical band gap decreases with an increase in Nd₂O₃ concentration. On the basis of the measured values of density and refractive index, the Nd³⁺ ion concentration in glasses, the polarizability of oxide ions and optical basicity were theoretically determined.     

Specific features of photo and thermoluminescence of Tb ions in BaO-M2O3 (M=Ga, Al, In)-P2O5 glasses

BaO-P₂O₅ glasses mixed with the three metal oxides viz., Al₂O₃, Ga₂O₃ and In₂O₃ doped with Tb₂O₃ were prepared. The glasses were characterized by X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis. Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra and thermoluminescence (TL) of these glasses have been studied. From the measured intensities of various absorption bands of these glasses, the Judd-Ofelt parameters Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆ have been evaluated and compared with those of other reported glass systems. The Judd-Ofelt theory could successfully be applied to characterize the absorption and luminescence spectra of these glasses. From this theory various radiative properties like transition probability A, branching ratio β_r, the radiative lifetime τ_r and the emission cross-section σ^E for various emission levels of these glasses have been determined and reported. An attempt has also been made to throw some light on the relationship between the structural modifications and luminescence efficiencies of all the three glasses. The analysis of TL data indicate high non-radiative losses in In₂O₃ mixed glasses.     

Spectroscopical splitting of Cu ion energy levels in magnesium lead fluoro silicate glasses

Homogeneous 40.0 MgO-(10-x) PbF₂-50.0 SiO₂: x CuO glasses were prepared using melt-quenching technique under controlled conditions. Spectroscopic studies (UV-vis absorption, ESR, FT-IR) are carried out for these glasses. One broad characteristic visible absorption band is observed around 700-850 nm in these glasses, the optical band gap decreases as the content of the CuO increases in the glass network up to 0.7 mol % then reversal trend is observed. ESR spectra of all these glasses show resonance peaks characteristic of Cu²⁺ ions and hyperfine splitting is resolved with increasing the CuO content in the glass network. From the observed ESR spectra, the spin-Hamiltonian parameters have been evaluated and indicate that Cu²⁺ ions have octahedral coordination with a strong tetragonal distortion in these glasses. By correlating ESR and optical absorption data, the molecular orbital coefficients have been evaluated. FT-IR spectra give important information about the nature of bonds in the glass matrix. The density of the glasses is also measured and is found to decrease with the increase CuO contents in the glass matrix. The physical parameters along with spectroscopic parameters are measured.     

Absorption and emission properties of Nd in lithium cesium mixed alkali borate glasses

Lithium cesium mixed alkali borate glasses of the composition 67B₂O₃·xLi₂O·(32−x)Cs₂O (where x=8, 12, 16, 20 and 24) containing 1 mol% Nd₂O₃ were prepared by melt quenching. The absorption spectra of Nd³⁺ were studied from the experimental oscillator strengths and the Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters were obtained. The intensity parameters are used to determine the radiative decay rates (emission probabilities of transitions) (A_T), branching ratios (β) and integrated absorption cross-sections (Σ) of the Nd³⁺ transitions from the excited state J manifolds to the lower lying J′ manifolds. Radiative lifetimes (τ_R) are estimated for certain excited states of Nd³⁺ in these mixed alkali borate glasses. Luminescence spectra were measured and the emission cross-sections (σ_p) were evaluated for the three emission transitions. The variation of luminescence intensity with x was recorded for the three transitions at different excitation power to see the effect of mixed alkalies in these borate glasses.     

Structural and luminescence properties of Dy3+ ion in strontium lithium bismuth borate glasses

Different concentrations of dysprosium doped strontium lithium bismuth borate (SLBiB) glasses were synthesized by the conventional melt quenching method and characterized through X-ray diffraction, Raman, absorption and visible luminescence spectroscopies. These Dy³⁺ doped glasses are studied for their utility for white light emitting diodes. X-ray diffraction studies revealed amorphous nature of the studied glass matrices. Coexistence of trigonal BO₃ and tetrahedral BO₄ units was evidenced by Raman spectroscopy. From the absorption spectra, Judd–Ofelt (J–O) intensity parameters, Ω_λ (λ=2, 4 and 6), have been calculated. The hypersensitivity of the transition, ⁶H_15/2→⁶F_11/2 of Dy³⁺ has been discussed based on the magnitude of Ω₂ parameter. Using J–O intensity parameters, several radiative properties such as spontaneous transition probabilities (A_R), radiative branching ratios (β_R) and radiative lifetimes (τ_R) have been determined. From the emission spectra, a strong blue emission that corresponds to the transition, ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_15/2, was observed and it also shows combination of blue, yellow and red emission bands for these glasses. In addition to that, white light emission region have been observed from these studies.     

Spectroscopic properties of Nd3+-doped tungsten–tellurite glasses

In this work, we investigate the spectroscopy properties of neodymium doped tungsten–tellurite glasses prepared in ambient and O₂-rich atmospheres. A conversion of TeO₄ to TeO₃ units was caused by the addition of Nd³⁺ into the glass, which was confirmed by absorption spectra and by Judd–Ofelt parameter behavior. The relaxation of the ⁴F_3/2 level is dominated by radiative decay and cross-relaxation between Nd³⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions. The energy transfer from Nd³⁺ to the hydroxyl group is negligible when compared to the cross-relaxation. The luminescence quantum efficiency values of the ⁴F_3/2 level decreases as the Nd³⁺ concentration increases, independently if determined by the Judd–Ofelt method or by the thermal lens technique. The observed reduction in the IR absorption associated to OH groups was not effective to improve the luminescence quantum efficiency.     

Spectroscopic investigations and luminescence spectra of Nd and Dy doped different phosphate glasses

Spectral properties of Nd³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions in different phosphate glasses were studied and several spectroscopic parameters were reported. Covalency of rare-earth-oxygen bond was studied in these phosphate glass matrices with the variation of modifier in host glass matrix. Using Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆), radiative transition probabilities (A) and radiative lifetimes (τ_R) of certain excited states of Nd³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions are estimated in these glass matrices. From the magnitudes of branching ratios (β_R) and integrated absorption cross-sections (Σ), certain transitions of both the ions are identified for laser excitation. From the emission spectra, peak stimulated emission cross-sections (σ_P) are evaluated for the emission transitions observed in all these phosphate glass matrices for both Nd³⁺ and Dy³⁺ ions.     

Dy3+ doped SiO2–B2O3–Al2O3–NaF–ZnF2 glasses: An exploration of optical and gamma radiation shielding features

A series of Dy³⁺ doped zinc-aluminoborosilicate glasses with chemical composition 30SiO₂-(30-x) B₂O₃–10Al₂O₃–15NaF–15ZnF₂-xDy₂O₃ (x = 0, 0.5, 0.7, 1.0 and 1.5 mol %) were prepared by conventional melt-quenching method. Structural and optical properties of the glasses were analyzed through XRD, FTIR, UV–Visible–NIR and luminescence studies. Gamma radiation shielding parameters were obtained using PSD software. Nephelauxetic ratio (β) and bonding parameters (δ) calculated using absorption spectrum shows the decreasing ionic nature of the Dy ions. Judd-Oflet parameters (Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆) obtained shows the covalency and asymmetric nature of dysprosium ions. The luminescence properties shows that Dy³⁺ doped glasses have two strong intense emission at blue (482 nm) and yellow (575 nm) region. Branching ratio and stimulated emission cross section calculated suggests the glasses suitability to act as lasing material. CIE colour coordinates and its colour correlated temperature (CCT) for the glasses were estimated and found that these prepared glasses lie in the warm white light region.     

Spectral and luminescent characteristics of trivalent lanthanide ions in a POCl3-SnCl4 inorganic solvent

We have measured the absorption and luminescence spectra of trivalent lanthanide ions (Pr³⁺, Sm³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Ho³⁺, Er³⁺, Tm³⁺, and Yb³⁺) in the visible and near-IR wavelength ranges in a POCl₃-SnCl₄ inorganic solvent. In terms of the Judd-Ofelt model, the oscillator strengths of absorption bands, the probabilities of radiative transitions, the luminescence branching coefficients, the lifetimes of excited states, and the luminescence quantum yields have been calculated. Possibilities of creating new laser media have been evaluated. A conclusion is drawn regarding the symmetry of the environment of trivalent lanthanide ions in the POCl₃-SnCl₄ solvent.