Preparation and characterization of Nd3+ doped sodium leadbismuthate glass

Nd(3+) doped unconventional sodium leadbismuthate glass is prepared through the melt quenching method. The amorphous nature of the glass is confirmed through the X-ray diffraction study. The differential thermal study was performed to identify the glass transition and approximate glass thermal stability measurements. To identify the local structure of the glass, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis was also carried out. By performing the Judd-Ofelt theory, the theoretical and experimental oscillator strengths were calculated.     

Influence of SiO2 on the structure and optical properties of lithium bismuth silicate glasses

Bismuth silicate glasses containing lithium oxide with composition 20Li₂O·(80 − x)Bi₂O₃·xSiO₂ (5 ? x ? 70 mol%) have been prepared by melt-quench technique. Density (D), molar volume (V_M) and glass transition temperature (T_g) for all the glass samples have been measured. FTIR spectroscopy has been employed to investigate the structure of these glasses in order to obtain information about the competitive role of Bi₂O₃ and SiO₂ in the formation of glass network. The increase of SiO₂ content in the glass matrix results in increasing the Si-O-Si bond angle and hence the ionicity of Si-O bond increases with decrease in Bi₂O₃/SiO₂ ratio. The optical transmittance spectra of all the glasses have been recorded in the wavelength range 200-3300 nm. The values of optical band gap (E_g) have been determined from the cutoff wavelength of these glasses. The average electronic polarizability of oxide ion () and the optical basicity (Λ_th) have been estimated from the calculated values of the E_g and were found to be dependent directly on Bi₂O₃/SiO₂ ratio. The variation in different physical parameters such as D, V_M and T_g and optical parameters; viz., E_g, , Λ_th with Bi₂O₃/SiO₂ ratio have been analyzed and discussed in terms of change in the glass structure.     

Enhancement of luminescence properties in Er3+ doped TeO2-Na2O-PbX (X=O and F) ternary glasses

An enhancement of luminescence properties in Er3+ doped ternary glasses is observed on the addition of PbO/PbF2. The infrared to visible upconversion emission bands are observed at 410, 525, 550 and 658 nm, due to the 2H9/2-->4I15/2, 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2, 4F9/2-->4I15/2 transitions respectively, on excitation with 797 nm laser line. A detailed study reveals that the 2H9/2-->4I15/2 transition arises due to three step upconversion process while other transitions arise due to two step absorption. On excitation with 532 nm radiation, ultraviolet and violet upconversion bands centered at 380, 404, 410 and 475 nm wavelengths are observed along with one photon luminescence bands at 525, 550, 658 and 843 nm wavelengths. These bands are found due to the 4G11/2-->4I15/2, 2P3/2-->4I13/2, 2H9/2-->4I15/2, 2P3/2-->4I11/2, 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2, 4F9/2-->4I15/2 and 4S3/2-->4I13/2 transitions, respectively. Though incorporation of PbO and PbF2 both enhances fluorescence intensities however, PbF2 content has an important influence on upconversion luminescence emission. The incorporation of PbF2 enhances the red emission (658 nm) intensity by 1.5 times and the violet emission (410 nm) intensity by 2.0 times. A concentration dependence study of fluorescence reveals the rapid increase in the red (4F9/2-->4I15/2) emission intensity relative to the green (4S3/2-->4I15/2) emission with increase in the Er3+ ion concentration. This behaviour has been explained in terms of an energy transfer by relaxation between excited ions.     

Spectroscopic investigations of Nd3+ doped flouro- and chloro-borate glasses

Spectroscopic and physical properties of Nd(3+) doped sodium lead flouro- and chloro-borate glasses of the type 20NaX-30PbO-49.5B(2)O(3)-0.5Nd(2)O(3) (X=F and Cl) have been investigated. Optical absorption spectra have been used to determine the Slater Condon (F(2), F(4), and F(6)), spin orbit xi(4f) and Racah parameters (E(1), E(2), and E(3)). The oscillator strengths and the intensity parameters Omega(2), Omega(4) and Omega(6) have been determined by the Judd-Ofelt theory, which in turn provide the radiative transition probability (A), total transition probability (A(T)), radiative lifetime (tau(R)) and branching ratio (beta) for the fluorescent level (4)F(3/2). The lasing efficiency of the prepared glasses has been characterized by the spectroscopic quality factor (Omega(4)/Omega(6)), the value of which is in the range of 0.2-1.5, typical for Nd(3+) in different laser hosts. Nephelauxetic effect results in a red shift in the energy levels of Nd(3+) for chloroborate glass. The radiative transition probability of the potential lasing transition (4)F(3/2)-->(4)I(11/2) of Nd(3+) ions is found to be higher for flouroborate as compared to chloroborate glass.     

ESR and optical studies of Cu2+ doped zinc glutamate dihydrate

The ESR study of the Cu2+ doped zinc glutamate dihydrate is carried out at room temperature. Two magnetically nonequivalent sites for Cu2+ are observed. The spin Hamiltonian parameters are determined with the fitting of spectra to rhombic symmetry crystalline field. The parameters are as follows: Cu2+(I): gx=2.0170±0.0002, gy=2.0768±0.0002, gz=2.2334±0.0002, Ax=(74±2)×10(-4), Ay=(99±2)×10(-4), Az=(134±2)×10(-4) cm(-1)and Cu2+(II): gx=2.0180±0.0002, gy=2.0550±0.0002, gz=2.1633±0.0002, Ax=(100±2)×10(-4), Ay=(100±2)×10(-4), Az=(115±2)×10(-4) cm(-1). The ground state wave function is also determined. The g-anisotropy is evaluated and compared with the experimental value. Using the data of optical absorption study undertaken at room temperature the nature of bonding in the complex is also discussed.     

DSC studies on sodium phosphate glasses doped with chlorides of Cd,Co and Ag

A number of samples of sodium phosphate glasses doped with Cd/Co or Ag chlorides were prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR spectral, ion transport and DSC studies. It was found from DSC studies that the glass transition temperature (T _g) and crystallization temperature (T _c) values increased with the increasing concentrations of the dopants Cd/ or Co chlorides. However, the T _g and T _c values were found to decrease when the AgCl was taken as the dopant and the following sequence is observed: T _g(CoCl₂)>T _g(CdCl₂)> T _g(AgCl) T _c(CoCl₂)>T _c(CdCl₂)>T _c(AgCl) These results have been discussed and explained on the basis of changes in the structure of sodium phosphate glassy matrix by the addition of different cations as dopants.The authors are thankful to Prof. M. L. Srivastava, Head, Department of Chemistry, D. D. U. Gorakhpur University, Gorakhpur, and Prof. Suresh Chandra, Department of Physics, B. H. U. Varanasi for providing necessary laboratory facilities and help in carrying out the present work. The financial support from the Department of Science and Technology and University Grants Commission, New Delhi is also gratefully acknowledged.     

Optical characterization of Eu3+ and Tb3+ ions doped cadmium lithium alumino fluoro boro tellurite glasses

This article reports on the development and spectral results of Eu(3+) and Tb(3+) ions doped cadmium lithium alumino fluoro boro tellurite (CLiAFBT) glasses in the following composition. 40TeO2-30B2O3-10CdO-10Li2O-10AlF3 (Hostglass) (40-x)TeO2-30B2O3-10CdO-10Li2O-10AlF3-xEu2O3 (40-x)TeO2-30B2O3-10CdO-10Li2O-10AlF3-xTb4O7 where x=0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25 mol%. Glass amorphous nature and thermal properties have been studied using the XRD and DSC profiles. From the emission spectra of Eu(3+):glasses, five emission transitions have been observed at 578 nm, 592 nm, 612 nm, 653 nm, 701 nm and are assigned to the transitions (5)D(0)→(7)F(0), (7)F(1,)(7)F(2), (7)F(3) and (7)F(4), respectively, with λ(exci)=392 nm ((7)F(0)→(5)L(6)). In case of Tb(3+):glasses, four emission transitions ((5)D(4)→(7)F(6,)(7)F(5), (7)F(4) and (7)F(3)) are observed at 488 nm, 543 nm, 584 nm and 614 nm, respectively, with λ(exci)=376 nm. Decay curves and energy level diagrams have been plotted to evaluate the life times and to analyze the emission mechanism.     

EPR and optical absorption studies of Cu2+ doped L-arginine phosphate monohydrate single crystals--part II

The EPR spectra of Cu2+ ion in L-Arginine phosphate monohydrate (LAP) at X-band frequencies at room temperature reveal the presence of two magnetically inequivalent interstitial Cu2+ sites in the lattice. The principal values of the g- and A-tensors indicate rhombic symmetry around the Cu2+ ion. From the direction cosines of the principal values of the g- and A- tensors, the orientations of the sites in the lattice have been identified. The bonding parameters were evaluated and the ground state wave function of Cu2+ ion was constructed. The ground state is found to be an admixture of [x2 - y2> and [3z2 - r2> orbitals. The optical absorption studies show four bands centered at 9803, 10753, 15748 and 16666 cm(-1) confirming the rhombic symmetry around the Cu2+ ion. Using the observed bands the crystal field parameters have been evaluated.     

Investigation of phase separation in Nd3+ doped ternary sodium borosilicate glasses by optical spectroscopy

Two glasses doped with 1 mol% Nd2O3 and batch compositions inside the miscibility gap of the ternary Na2O-B2O3-SiO2 system were prepared by rapid quenching of the 1,400 degrees C melts. Phase separation was induced by heat-treatment at 600 degrees C for different exposure times and monitored qualitatively by an observation of Rayleigh scattering. The 4I(9/2-->P(1/2) transition of Nd3+ around 23300 cm(-1) recorded for the quenched samples without heat-treatment was used to demonstrate that submicroscopic phase separation in the doped glasses occurs instantaneously upon quenching. The effect of the Nd3+ concentration on this submicroscopic phase separation was investigated.     

Host dependent frequency upconversion of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped bismuth-germanate glasses

The absorption and upconversion fluorescence spectra of a series of Er3+/Yb3+-codoped xBi(2)O(3)-(90-x)GeO2-10Na(2)O (BGN x, x=31, 36, 41, 46 and 51 mol%) glasses have been studied. Intense green and red emission bands at around 533, 548 and 659 nm, corresponding to the 2H(11/2)-->4I(15/2), 4S(3/2)-->4I(15/2) and 4F(9/2)-->4I(15/2) transitions of Er3+, respectively, were simultaneously observed at room temperature. The dependence of intensities of upconversion emission on excitation power and possible upconversion mechanisms were evaluated and analyzed. The important role of Bi(2)O(3) in upconversion intensity is observed and its influence on the green (533 and 548 nm) and red (659 nm) emissions is compared and discussed. The influence of Bi(2)O(3) on the upconversion emissions has been investigated based on the IR spectra.     

Fluoride materials for optical applications: Single crystals, ceramics, glasses, and glass–ceramics

Fluoride compounds have compelling advantages for many optical applications due to their unique combination of low phonon energy, high UV absorption edge energy, and relatively weak crystal field. In this article, we offer a concise review of the current state of the art in fluoride single crystals, ceramics, glasses, and glass–ceramics for optical applications.     

Spectral analysis of Mn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+: B2O3-ZnO-PbO glasses

This paper reports on the spectral properties of Mn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ ions doped B2O3-ZnO-PbO glasses. XRD, FT-IR spectra and DSC profiles of these glasses have also been carried out, and the FT-IR profiles have shown the presence of both BO3 and BO4 units. It is interesting to notice that the FT-IR peak positions are slightly shifted towards higher energy with an increase in transition metal ion concentration change. From the measured DSC thermograms, glass transition (T(g)), crystallization (T(c)) and temperature of melting (T(m)) have been evaluated. From the UV absorption spectra of Mn2+, Co2+ and Ni2+ ions doped glasses, both direct and indirect optical band gaps have been calculated. The visible absorption spectra of Mn2+:glasses have shown a broad absorption band at 520 nm (6A1g(S) --> 4T1g(G)); with Co2+ ions one absorption band at 605 nm (4A2(4F) --> 4T1(4P)) and another at 1450 nm (4A2(4F) --> 4T1(4F)); and for Ni2+:glasses three absorption bands at 420 nm (3A2g(F) --> 3T1g(P)), 805 nm (3A2g(F) --> 1Eg(D)) and 880 nm (3A2g(F) --> 3T1g(F)) have been observed. For Mn2+:glasses, upon excitation with 262 nm, a green emission (539 nm) with a slight blue shift; and with 392 nm, a green emission (534 nm) with a slight red shift with Mn2+ ions concentration change (0.2-0.5 mol%) has been observed. This green emission has been assigned to (4T1(G) --> 6A1(S)) d-d transition of Mn2+ ions that are in tetrahedral co-ordination. For 0.5 mol% Co2+ ions doped glass, upon excitation with 580 nm, a red emission (625 nm) has been observed which originates from 2E(2G) --> 4A2(4F) transition of Co2+ ions in tetrahedral co-ordination. For Ni2+ ions doped glasses upon excitation with 420 nm, a green (577 nm) and red (670 nm) emissions are observed and are assigned to (1T2g(D) --> 3A2g(F)) and (1T2g(D) --> 3T2g(F)) d-d transitions of Ni2+ ions in octahedral co-ordination.     

Up-conversion luminescence analysis in ytterbium-sensitized erbium-doped oxide-halide tellurite and germanate-niobic-lead glasses

Ytterbium-sensitized erbium-doped oxide-halide tellurite and germanate-niobic-lead glasses have been synthesized by conventional melting method. Intense green and red emissions centered at 525, 546 and 657 nm, corresponding to the transitions 2H11/2-->4I15/2, 4S3/2-->4I15/2 and 4F9/2-->4I15/2, respectively, were simultaneously observed at room temperature in these glasses. The quadratic dependence of the 525, 546 and 657 nm emissions on excitation power indicates that a two-photon absorption process occurs. Tellurite glass showed a weaker up-conversion emission than germanate-niobic-lead glass, which is inconsistent with the prediction from the difference of maximum phonon energy between tellurite and germanate-niobic-lead glasses. In this paper, Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate the origin of the difference in up-conversion luminescence in the two glasses. Compared with phonon side-band spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy extracts more information including both phonon energy and phonon density. Our results reveal that the phonon density and the maximum phonon energy of host glasses are both important factors in determining the up-conversion efficiency.     

Sol-gel prepared copper doped SiO2 glasses

SiO₂ glasses doped with nano-sized copper particles were prepared through sol-gel method. Samples with nominal composition xCu–(1–x)SiO₂ (x=0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4) were prepared by hydrolyzing tetraethylorthosilicate with various amounts of Cu(NO₃)₂. The dried gels were heat treated at 400, 500, 600, 700°C for 10 hrs under flowing 5% H₂-95% N₂ mixture gas to reduce Cu⁺² ions to metallic copper. The amorphous nature of the SiO₂ matrix was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. The size of particulate copper metal, which was determined by transmission electron microscopy, increases with the temperature of heat treatment and the copper content. The local structure of SiO₂ matrix was probed by FTIR. The silica matrix has no major structural change for gels heat treated at different temperatures and with different copper contents.     

ESR and optical study of Cu2+ doped calcium malonate dihydrate

The ESR study of Cu(2+) doped calcium malonate dihydrate has been done at room temperature. Four magnetically in-equivalent sites for Cu(2+) have been observed. The spin-Hamiltonian parameters evaluated with the fitting of spectra to rhombic symmetry crystalline field are for Cu(2+) site (I): g(x)=2.0963+/-0.0002, g(y)=2.1316+/-0.0002, g(z)=2.4137+/-0.0002, A(x)=(32+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(y)=(34+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(z)=(49+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), for site (II): g(x)=2.0668+/-0.0002, g(y)=2.0800+/-0.0002, g(z)=2.3561+/-0.0002, A(x)=(34+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(y)=(36+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(z)=(51+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), for site (III): g(x)=2.0438+/-0.0002, g(y)=2.0623+/-0.0002, g(z)=2.2821+/-0.0002, A(x)=(34+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(y)=(36+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(z)=(53+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), and for site (IV): g(x)=2.0063+/-0.0002, g(y)=2.0241+/-0.0002, g(z)=2.2357+/-0.0002, A(x)=(35+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(y)=(37+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1), A(z)=(54+/-2)x10(-4)cm(-1). The ground state wave function of Cu(2+) has also been determined. The g-anisotropy has been estimated and compared with the experimental value. Further with the help of optical study the nature of bonding of metal ion with different ligands in the complex has been discussed.     

Theoretical studies on the interaction of anionic collectors with Cu+, Cu2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ ions

 The influence of collector structure on interaction with metal cations was modelled by computational ab initio methods. The interaction energies were calculated between metal ions (Cu⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Pb²⁺) and selected collector anions: ethyl xanthate, ethyl trithiocarbonate, dithiobutyric acid, ethyl dithiocarbamate, diethyl dithiocarbamate, diethylphosphinecarbodithioic acid and diethoxyphosphinecar bodithioic acid. The strongest interaction was found with diethyl dithiocarbamate. The results give qualitative information on the effect of the collector structure on the initial adsorption steps on sulphide mineral flotation. Received: 25 September / Accepted: 11 October 2001 / Published online: 22 March 2002     

Electron paramagnetic resonance and optical studies of Cu2+ doped bis(thiourea)cadmium chloride single crystal

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and optical studies have been carried out on Cu²⁺ doped bis(thiourea)cadmium chloride single crystal, which belongs to a potential semi-organic non-linear material, at room temperature. The spin Hamiltonian parameters were determined as g_xx = 2.04331, g_yy = 2.04373, g_zz = 2.05750 and A_xx = 91G, A_yy = 115G, A_zz = 136G. These parameters suggest that the spectroscopic splitting parameter g and hyperfine splitting parameter A exhibit rhombic symmetry. The optical study reveals that the non-linear optical property of the host lattice has been enhanced due to Cu²⁺ doping.