ESR and optical absorption of cupric ion in borate glasses

ESR and optical absorption of Cu²⁺ were measured in xNa₂O(100?x)B₂O₃ (1 ≤ x ≤ 75), x ZnO(100?x)B₂O₃ (46 ≤ x ≤ 64) and x Pb(100?x)b₂O₃ (20 ≤ x ≤ 75) glasses, where x is expressed in mol.%. Spin hamiltonian parameters and ligand field absorption energy changed abruptly in the regions of 15 ≤ x ≤ 23 and 37 ≤ x ≤ 55 in the soda system, while both parameters were hardly dependent upon the glass composition in zinc and lead systems. The magnitude of micro-environmental fluctuation of Cu²⁺-complexes in the glasses was estimated qualitatively and correlated with the distribution of the strength of π-bonding between cupric ion and oxygen in the glass. Typical network modifiers and intermediates behaved differently, especially in the composition region of invert glass; the large deformation of the coordination sphere of Cu²⁺ in lead glasses due to the stronger PbO bond resulted in the large distribution of $\text{g}{}_{\mathrm{}}$. The situation was reverse in the case of soda glasses.     

The absorption and circular dichroism spectra of langasite family crystals doped with chromium ions

The absorption and circular dichroism spectra of langasite family crystals, La₃Ga₅SiO₁₄, La₃Ga₅GeO₁₄, Ca₃Ga₂Ge₄O₁₄, Sr₃Ga₂Ge₄O₁₄ (red), Sr₃Ga₂Ge₄O₁₄ (green), La₃Ta_0.5Ga_5.5O₁₄, and La₃Nb_0.5Ga_5.5O₁₄, which were doped with chromium ions, have been investigated in the range of 240–850 nm. It is shown that chromium ions are incorporated into the structure of the investigated crystals both in the octahedrally (Cr³⁺ ion in 1a octahedron) and tetrahedrally (Cr⁴⁺ ion in 2d tetrahedron) coordinated positions. The ion ratio Cr³⁺/Cr⁴⁺ changes in a wide range in the crystals studied.     

Spectroscopic and structural properties of Cr in silicate glasses: Cr does not probe the average glass structure

Cr³⁺-containing alkali, alkaline earth and mixed alkali-alkaline earth silicate glasses have been investigated using Cr K-edge extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and optical absorption spectroscopy. The local environment of Cr³⁺ appears similar in all glasses regarding EXAFS analysis, in particular for Cr-O distance (1.99 Å). By contrast, optical absorption spectra show variations of crystal field values and disorder effects with the nature of the modifier cation, revealing that some differences exist in the local surrounding of Cr³⁺ in glasses. In addition, in mixed alkali-alkaline earth glasses optical absorption parameters remain close to the values found in binary silicate glasses with the same alkali, which reveals a preference for alkalis in the surrounding of Cr³⁺. As a whole, these data show that Cr³⁺ is not probing the average glass structure and demonstrate its heterogeneous distribution at a local scale.     

High temperature spectroscopy of manganese and chromium doped glasses with the basic composition 16Na2O · 10CaO · 74SiO2

Glasses doped either with chromium or manganese or with both chromium and manganese were melted from the raw materials and studied by UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy. The measurements were carried out at temperatures in the range from 25 to 800 °C. In the glasses doped with only one transition metal oxide, the intensity of the absorption lines decreases and the full width at half maximum increases with increasing temperatures. Simultaneously, the peaks were shifted to larger wave numbers. In glasses doped with both chromium and manganese, the same behaviour was observed up to a temperature of 600 °C. At larger temperatures, the absorption band at 27 500 cm⁻¹ due to Cr⁶⁺ increases again, while the absorption band at 20 300 cm⁻¹ caused by Mn³⁺ decreases more strongly than in glasses solely doped with manganese. The behaviour observed was explained by the redox reaction Cr⁶⁺ + 3Mn²⁺ ⇄ Cr³⁺ + 3Mn³⁺ which is shifted to the left while increasing the temperature.     

ESR and optical absorption of Cu2+ in Na2OSiO2 glasses

ESR and optical absorption spectra of Cu²⁺ in xNa₂O(100?x)SiO₂ glasses were measured, where x ranges from 12 to 70 mol% Na₂O. This glass system was divided into three composition regions, 12 ? x ? 37, 37 ? x ? 55 and 55 ? x, from the composition dependence of the ligand field transition energy and spin hamiltonian parameters of Cu²⁺. Two boundary compositions (37 and 55 mol%) between the two adjacent regions agreed with the eutectics in the equilibrium phase diagram. Two types of Cu²⁺-complexes, with less basic ligands (HFS-1) and much more basic ones (HFS-2), were detected in ESR for ultra-high soda glasses (x ? 55). The distribution of the ESR parameters due to the fluctuation of ligand fields was negligible for HFS-2 compared with that for other glasses. The Cu²⁺ ion responsible for HFS-2 was considered to distribute in the microphase of orthosilicate. Imagawa's basicity, the covalency of the bondings between Cu²⁺ and ligands, was calculated by using Maki and McGarvey's analysis. The basicity of σ-type symmetry remained constant, irrespective of the glass composition, and the value was identical with those for other oxyanionic glasses. The π-type basicity was also constant for the glasses of x ? 55. Two different basicities, each corresponding to HFS-1 or 2, were obtained for the glasses of x ? 55. The value derived from HFS-1 was identical with those for x < 55 glasses, whereas that derived from HFS-2 suggested the formation of much more basic ligands.     

Raman spectroscopic study of scandium in sodium silicate glasses

Glasses in the Na₂OSiO₂Sc₂O₃ system have been studied by Raman and difference Raman spectroscopy. Addition of Sc₂O₃ to sodium silicate glasses results in new vibrational bands at 1025 cm^?1 and 360 cm^?1. The high frequency band is interpreted to be due to Sc⁺³ quasi-complexes formed by Sc⁺³ ions coordinated by SiO₄^?4 tetrahedra having non-bridging oxygens. The discrete character of the scandium-produced bands implies incipient separation of Sc⁺³-enriched silicate structures from purely silicate structures.     

Effect of boron oxide addition on the Nd environment in a Nd-rich soda-lime aluminoborosilicate glass

The environment of Nd³⁺ ions has been studied using optical absorption spectroscopy and EXAFS at the Nd L₃-edge, in a series of soda lime aluminoborosilicate glasses with increasing B₂O₃ content. The proportion of BO₄ units has been determined by ¹¹B MAS NMR in an equivalent glass series with La³⁺ ions replacing the majority of Nd³⁺ ions, and complementary information has been obtained by measuring the Nd³⁺ decay fluorescence times in these latter glasses. In these glasses with low Al₂O₃ content, the R′ ratio, with R′ = [Na₂O^exc] / [B₂O₃] and [Na₂O^exc] = [Na₂O] − [Al₂O₃] − [ZrO₂], plays a key role in controlling the structural organization and crystallization resistance, in a similar way as the R ratio in the Dell and Bray model of sodium borosilicate glasses. At R′ > 0.5, the Nd³⁺ ions are located in a mixed silicate-borate environment and, by slow cooling of the melt, they tend to crystallize within a silicate apatite phase close to the Ca₂Nd₈(SiO₄)₆O₂ composition. At R′ < 0.5, the structural results are compatible with Nd³⁺ ions located in a borate-type environment (not excluding Si neighbors), and, by slow cooling of the melt, they segregate with Ca²⁺ ions within a Si-depleted separated borosilicate phase.     

Recharging processes of Cr ions in Mg2SiO4 and Y3Al5O12 crystals under influence of annealing and γ ‐ irradiation

Recharging processes of chromium ions were investigated for Mg₂SiO₄:Mg, Cr single crystals using annealing in O₂ and in air and γ‐irradiation, as compare to YAG :Ca, Cr single crystals. The formation of tetravalent Cr ions in the Mg₂SiO₄ :Mg, Cr is related not only to the initial Cr content in the melt, oxygen partial pressure and O₂‐ vacancy existing in the crystal, but also to the external field such as γ‐irradiation. The additional absorption after γ‐irradiation shows the decrease in intensity of the absorption of Cr³⁺ and Cr⁴⁺ ions in some part of the spectrum and increase in the other giving evidence on recharging effects between Cr³⁺ and Cr⁴⁺. There arises also color centers observed between 380 nm and 570 nm that may participate in energy transfer of any excitation to Cr⁴⁺ giving rise to Cr⁴⁺ emission. Opposite to forsterite crystal, absorption spectrum of YAG:Ca, Cr crystal after γ‐irradiation reveals only increase in the absorption of the Cr bands. The observed behavior of the absorption spectrum of YAG:Ca, Cr crystal under influence of γ‐irradiation suggests that γ‐irradiation ionizes only Cr ions. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Line width measurements of Cr in a zinc borate glass

The temperature dependence of the homogeneous line width (Γ_h) of the R-line of Cr³⁺ in 4ZnO·3B₂O₃ glass in the region between 15 K and room temperature has been measured. We found that Γ_h has a T ² dependence down to approximately 30 K. Below 30 K the data do not follow the power law, T ². The results are compared with those of Cr³⁺ in mullite and ED2 silicate glasses where the crossover was observed at about 80 K and with the data for Eu³⁺ in zinc borate and other glasses. The comparison indicates that the local environment affects Γ_h. In fact, the Cr³⁺ ions appear to form more defined complexes with the oxygen ligands than do the Eu³⁺ ions, which have a larger distribution of sites in the glass.     

Bond character and properties of the mixed alkali system Na2OK2OAl2O3SiO2

The mixed alkali glass system Na₂OK₂OAl₂O₃SiO₂ was investigated. Density, transformation temperature, refractive index, and chemical durability were studied. Optical absorption and ESR spectra of the CuO-doped glasses were determined.Calculations of the polarizability of O^2?, bonding parameters of the Cu²⁺ complex, and the packing density are presented. It was found that for the mixed alkali glasses, the oxygen- alkali bond has a more ionic character than expected from additivity. This fact enables the non-linear changes of the refractive index, of the shift of the Cu²⁺ absorption band, and of the covalency to be interpreted as the Na mole fraction is varied. It is also possible to explain qualitatively the density, T_g and chemical durability non-linear variations with change of the Na content by the ionicity deviations of the bond character and the postulated pairs of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions in the mixed alkali glasses.     

Influence of X-ray irradiation on the optical properties of chromium-doped KliSO4 crystals

The absorption and circular-dichroism spectra of chromium-activated KLiSO₄ crystals both nonirradiated and irradiated with an X-ray beam have been studied. It was established that in nonirradiated crystals chromium ions are mainly trivalent (Cr³⁺) and have octahedral coordination. In irradiated crystals, along with the centers provided by (Cr³⁺) ions, new centers are formed associated with (^Cr4+) and (^Cr5+) ions.     

New transition metal fluoride glasses isolated in the PbF2MtIIF2MtIIIF3 systems

New glasses have been prepared in the PbF₂M_t^IIF₂M_t^IIIF₃ systems (m_t^II = Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺; M_t^III = Fe³⁺, V³⁺, Cr³⁺, Ga³⁺). The extent of the vitreous area is shown in a PbF₂MnF₂FeF₃ diagram. Thermal properties have been measured for all samples. Some of these glasses are very transparent over a wide range of wavelengths (from 250–12 000 nm). The sixfold coordination of transition metal ions has been established by spectroscopic investigations. The structure of the glasses is discussed on the basis of a random corner-sharing of MF₆ octahedra.     

Cr3+‐doped LiNbO3 crystals grown by the Bridgman method

The growth of LiNbO₃ crystals doped with Cr³⁺ ions in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5 mol % concentrations by Bridgman method were reported. The Cr³⁺ ion concentrations in crystals were measured by inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. Electron paramagnetic resonance had been used to investigate the sites occupied by the Cr³⁺ ions. Two Cr³⁺ ion centers located at Li⁺ and Nb⁵⁺ sites (Cr_Li³⁺ and Cr_Nb³⁺ centers, respectively) were observed. Optical absorption and temperature‐dependence emission spectra of the Cr³⁺ ions were reported. The crystal‐field parameters and Racah parameters of the Cr³⁺ ion defect sites were reported and compared with those grown by Czochralski technique. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Spectroscopic and magnetic behavior of xNd2O3(1−x)(3Bi2O3 · PbO) glasses

Glasses of the xNd₂O₃(1−x)(3Bi₂O₃ · PbO) system with 0?x?0.30 were obtained and studied by IR spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), density and magnetic susceptibility measurements. IR and density measurements show that the addition of neodymium ions produces structural changes and the neodymium ions play a network modifier role in the host glass matrix. XPS investigation permitted following the evolution of the structural disorder, of the degree of polymerization of bismuthate chains and of the fraction of bridging oxygens with respect to the neodymium ion concentration of the studied glasses. Magnetic susceptibility data show that the Nd³⁺ ions are present as isolated species for x?0.05 and as both isolated and exchange coupled species for higher x values.     

X-ray irradiation-induced coloration of manganese in soda-lime silicate glass

Coloration of Mn in soda-lime silicate glass by X-ray irradiation was investigated as a coloration method suitable for glass recycling. Mn was initially reduced to Mn²⁺ with the addition of Fe, Sn or carbon, and the resultant colorless or near-colorless glasses containing no Mn³⁺ were studied. These glasses turned violet after X-ray irradiation and heat treatment at 200 °C due to formation of Mn³⁺. The color was stable at room temperature and decoloration occurred with heat treatment at 600 °C. The addition of Fe or Sn increased the optical absorption by Mn³⁺ ions. ESR measurement suggests that Mn photo-oxidation occurred through charge transfer from photo-induced hole centers.     

Free energy profiles of Al and La cation distribution in silica and soda silicate glasses

The factors that control the distribution of Al³⁺ and La³⁺ cations in silica and soda silicate glasses is examined by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. In particular, the response of the glass network to the presence of metal oxide is probed using a liquid state theory that treats the glass network as a solvent and the metal cation as a solute. MD simulations are used to obtain the mean solvent-solute and solute-solute force. The trajectory used to determine the free energy is analyzed to determine the stable configurations of a cation pair. Details of determining the potential of mean force for an Al cation pair in silica and silicate glass is presented. A comparison of these results with those previously calculated for a La cation pair in the same glass systems is given. The results reveal that there are differences in how the network accommodates the two different size cations. It is found that for the potential used here, based on the Vessal potential, the network wraps itself around the larger La cation forming a solvent shell, whereas, the smaller Al cation is incorporated into the network backbone. In silica and soda silicate glasses, La ion pairs cluster to form La-O-La linkages. In contrast, the glasses favor a separated state of the Al ion pair.     

Vanadium and chromium redox behavior in borosilicate nuclear waste glasses

X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) was used to characterize vanadium (V) and chromium (Cr) environments in low activity nuclear waste (LAW) glasses synthesized under a variety of redox conditions. V₂O₅ was added to the melt to improve sulfur incorporation from the waste; however, at sufficiently high concentrations, V increased melt foaming, which lowered melt processing rates. Foaming may be reduced by varying the redox conditions of the melt, while small amounts of Cr are added to reduce melter refractory corrosion. Three parent glasses were studied, where CO-CO₂ mixtures were bubbled through the corresponding melt for increasing time intervals so that a series of redox-adjusted-glasses was synthesized from each parent glass. XAS data indicated that V and Cr behaviors are significantly different in these glasses with respect to the cumulative gas bubbling times: V⁴⁺/V_total ranges from 8 to 35%, while Cr³⁺/Cr_total can range from 15 to 100% and even to population distributions including Cr²⁺. As Na-content decreased, V, and especially, Cr became more reduced, when comparing equivalent glasses within a series. The Na-poor glass series show possible redox coupling between V and Cr, where V⁴⁺ populations increase after initial bubbling, but as bubbling time increases, V⁴⁺ populations drop to near the level of the parent glass, while Cr becomes more reduced to the point of having increasing Cr²⁺ populations.     

Luminescent properties and applications of Tb3+ doped silicate glasses with industrial scales

Tb³⁺ doped X-ray conversion glassy screen with an industrial scale (50 mm × 50 mm × 12 mm) was successfully fabricated, and its luminescent properties and applications in CCD imaging system were investigated. Results showed that Tb³⁺ doped silicate glasses mainly emit weak blue (400–460 nm) and strong green (480–570 nm) fluorescence. With the increase of Tb³⁺ ion concentration, the intensity of green emission increases, but that of blue emission decreases. Gd³⁺ ions can sensitize the luminescence of Tb³⁺ ions among silicate glasses. With the increase of CeO₂ concentration, the luminescent intensity of Tb³⁺ doped silicate glasses at 550 nm quickly decreases. However, the irradiation resistance of Tb³⁺ doped silicate glasses can be effectively improved by CeO₂ addition. The imaging quality of the luminescent glass screen is more excellent than that of Gd₂O₂S polycrystalline screens.     

Redox reactions during temperature change in soda-lime–silicate melts doped with copper and iron or copper and manganese

Glasses with the base composition 16Na₂O · 10CaO · 74SiO₂ doped with copper and iron or copper and manganese were studied by high temperature UV–vis–NIR spectroscopy. The spectra exhibited distinct absorption bands attributed to the respective transition metal ions present (Cu²⁺, Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn³⁺). In glasses doped with only one polyvalent element, the absorption decreases linearly with increasing temperature, the absorption bands are shifted to smaller wave numbers and get broader. In glasses doped with two types of transition metals, the situation is the same up to a temperature of around 550 °C. At larger temperature, the Cu²⁺-absorption in glasses also co-doped with iron increases again, while in glasses doped with both copper and manganese the absorption is approximately the same as in glasses solely doped with copper. It is shown that this is due to redox reactions between polyvalent species. These reactions are frozen in at temperatures <550 °C.