Spectroscopic investigations of Nd(3+)-doped alkali chloroborophosphate glasses

Optical absorption spectra were studied in wavelength region 400-900 nm for the Nd(3+)-doped alkali (R = Li, Na and K) chloroborophosphate glasses at room temperature. The energy level scheme of the 4f(3) electron configuration was deduced from the observed energy level data using a parametrized Hamiltonian (H(F1)) model which includes 20 free-ion interaction parameters. Reasonable correlation was obtained between the experimental and calculated energy levels. The Judd-Ofelt model for the intensity analysis of induced electric dipole transitions has been applied to the measured oscillator strengths of the absorption bands to determine the three phenomenological intensity parameters Omega(2), Omega(4) and Omega(6) for each glass. Using these parameters, the total radiative transition rates (A(T)), non-radiative relaxation rates (W(NR)), branching ratios (beta(R)), integrated cross-sections for the stimulated emission (Sigma), excited state emission intensities (f(ESE)) and excited state absorption intensities (f(ESA)) have been theoretically calculated for certain excited Nd(3+) fluorescent levels. From the results obtained, the conclusion is made about the possibility of using these glasses as laser media.     

Fluorescence of Eu3+-doped InF3-based optical glasses

This paper reports physical, absorption and photoluminescence spectral properties of Eu³⁺-doped indium trifluoride-based optical glasses of the following formulae: 48 InF₃-24 BaF₂-7 AlF₃-20 RF, where RF is the alkali content (LiF, NaF and KF). From fluorescence characteristics of these Eu³⁺-doped glasses, it is found that Glass-A with 20 M% LiF as the network modifier shows a better trend in its optical behaviour. A red emission from these glasses has been noticed upon illumination with the UV lamp. The lifetimes of the lasing transition (⁵D₀→⁷F₂) have been measured both at 300 and 77K with an Ar⁺ laser (487.9 nm) as the source of excitation. Four additional fluorescent levels at 580, 592, 598 and 653 nm have also been measured.     

Spectroscopic characteristics of Sm3+-doped alkali fluorophosphate glasses

Optical absorption, luminescence and lifetime measurements of Sm(3+)-doped alkali fluorophosphate glasses with molar compositions of 50(NaPO(3))(6)+10TeO(2)+20AlF(3)+19RF+1Sm(2)O(3) (R=Li, Na and K) are described. The variation of optical properties with glass composition plays a dominant role in the determination of efficient laser materials. From the experimental oscillator strengths of f-f electric dipole transitions, the phenomenological Judd-Ofelt parameters have been evaluated and are used to evaluate radiative parameters such as radiative transition probabilities (A(R)), branching ratios (beta(R)), lifetimes (tau(R)) and integrated absorption cross-section (sigma(a)) for various excited levels. The predicted values of tau(R) and beta(R) from the (4)G(5/2) excited level to its lower levels are compared with the experimentally measured values. Stimulated emission cross-sections (sigma(e)) were also determined for (4)G(5/2)-->(6)H(J) (J=5/2, 7/2, 9/2 and 11/2) emission transitions. From the emission transitions of Sm(3+) in these alkali tellurofluorophosphate glasses certain potential laser transitions have been identified.     

Thermal stability and spectroscopic properties of Er3+-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses

This paper reports on the optical spectroscopic properties and thermal stability of Er(3+)-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses for developing 1.5mum optical amplifiers. Upon excitation at 980nm laser diode, an intense 1.5mum infrared fluorescence has been observed with the maximum full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 90nm for Er(3+)-doped antimony-borosilicate glasses. The emission cross-section and the lifetime of the (4)I(13/2) level of Er(3+) ions are 6.3x10(-21)cm(2) and 0.30ms, respectively. It is noted that the product of the emission cross-section and FWHM of the glass studied is as great as 567x10(-21)cm(2)nm, which is comparable or higher than that of bismuthate and tellurite glasses.     

Structural, optical and thermal studies of Eu ions in lithium fluoroborate glasses

Borate glasses doped with trivalent europium were prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique, in the chemical composition of (49.99-x)B₂O₃ + 25Li₂O + 25LiF+xEu₂O₃ by varying the concentration of the rare earth ion in the order 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2 and 3 wt% and their structural, luminescence and thermal behavior have been reported. The XRD and FTIR spectra reveal the glass structure and the functional groups. The UV–VIS, luminescence spectra and lifetime of the Eu³⁺ ions were measured. The local site symmetry around the Eu³⁺ ions were evaluated through the luminescence intensity ratio (R) of the ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ to ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ transitions. Optical measurements have been carried out to explore the optical properties such as bonding parameters, Judd–Ofelt parameters, stimulated emission cross-section, transition probability, branching ratio, radiative lifetime, etc. The lifetime measurements of the ⁵D₀ level as a function of the concentration of Eu³⁺ ion have been found and is comparable to other reported for Eu³⁺ doped borate, phosphate glasses and higher than that for the tellurite glasses. The thermal properties such as glass transition, crystallization and melting temperatures of the Eu³⁺ glasses were studied through the DSC traces in the temperature range of 30−1200 °C at a heating rate of 10 °C per minute. The change in optical properties with the variation of Eu³⁺ ion concentration have been discussed and compared with similar results.     

Fluorescence properties of Eu3+ ions doped borate and fluoroborate glasses containing lithium, zinc and lead

The influence of glass composition on the fluorescence properties of Eu3+ ions doped borate and fluoroborate glasses modified with Li+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ cations have been investigated. The magnitude of splittings of 7F1 levels are analyzed using crystal-field (CF) analysis. The relative intensities of 5D0 --> 7F2 to 5D0 --> 7F1 transitions, crystal-field strength parameters and decay times of the 5D0 level have been determined and are found to be lower for Pb based glasses than those of Zn/Li based glasses. The lifetimes of 5D0 level are found to increase when borate glasses are modified with pure fluorides than with oxides and oxyfluorides. The fluorescence decay of 5D0 level fits perfect single exponential in the Eu3+:glass systems studied which indicates the absence of energy transfer between Eu3+ ions in these glasses.     

Physical,structural and luminescence investigation of Eu3+-doped lithium-gadolinium bismuth-borate glasses for LEDs

The aim of the current report is to fabricate Eu³⁺-doped glasses with the chemical composition of 50Li₂O-15Gd₂O₃-5Bi₂O₃-(30-x)B₂O₃-xEu₂O₃ (where x = 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 mol%), with the help of conventional melt quenching technique. The fabricated glasses have been studied with help of physical, structural and luminescence properties for application of LEDs. The structural properties were investigated by XRD and FTIR spectra. Physical properties have been measured. Direct and indirect optical energy band gap (E_g) have been calculated and found to be increasing with Eu₂O₃ concentration. Luminescence spectra have been observed from photo and radioluminescence spectra and found in good agreement with each other, however the concentration quenching was not determined for the samples. The high-covalence and asymmetric nature was confirmed from Photoluminescence emission and RL emission transition as well as from the higher values of luminescence intensity ratio. The JO parameters have been found for the better performance of lasing materials. The lifetime's data have been found to be decreasing from 1.64 to 1.50 ms, which is the confirmation of energy transfer in Eu³⁺ ions through cross relaxations. From the calculated properties it has been suggested that the present glass samples might be good for red-light emitting devices.     

Fluorescence properties of Nd3+-doped tellurite glasses

The compositional and concentration dependence of luminescence of the (4)F(3/2)-->(4)I(J) (J=13/2, 11/2 and 9/2) transitions in four Nd(3+)-doped tellurite based glasses has been studied. The free-ion energy levels obtained for 60TeO(2)+39ZnO(2)+1.0Nd(2)O(3) (TZN10) glass have been analysed using the free-ion Hamiltonian model and compared with similar results obtained for Nd(3+):glass systems. The absorption spectrum of TZN10 glass has been analysed using the Judd-Ofelt theory. Relatively longer decay rates have been obtained for Nd(3+)-doped phosphotellurite glasses. The emission characteristics of the (4)F(3/2)-->(4)I(11/2) transition, of the Nd(3+):TZN10 glass, are found to be comparable to those obtained for Nd(3+):phosphate laser glasses. The non-exponential shape of the emission decay curves for the (4)F(3/2)-->(4)I(11/2) transition is attributed to the presence of energy transfer processes between the Nd(3+) ions.     

Luminescent cellulose fibers activated by Eu3+-doped nanoparticles

UV- active cellulose fibers were obtained by dry-wet method spinning an 8?% by weight α-cellulose solution in N-methylomorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) modified by europium-doped gadolinium oxyfluoride Gd₄O₃F₆:Eu³⁺ containing 5?mol (%) of the dopant. Photoluminescent nanoparticles were introduced in the in powder form into a polymer matrix during the process of cellulose dissolution in NMMO. The dependencies of emission intensity on excitation energy and the concentration of Gd₄O₃F₆:Eu³⁺ nanoparticles in the final cellulosic products were examined by photoluminescence spectroscopy (excitation and emission). The fiber structure was studied by X-ray powder diffraction analysis. The size and dispersity of the nanoparticles in the polymer matrix were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray microanalysis. The influence of different concentration particles (in the range from 0.5 to 5?% by weight) on the mechanical properties of the fibers, such as tenacity and elongation at break, were determined.     

Absorption and photoluminescence spectra of Tm3+-doped fluorophosphate glasses

We have carried out absorption and photoluminescence spectra of six newly prepared TmF₃ (2 M%) doped fluorophosphate glasses of composition: (NaPO₃)6BaF₂ZnF₂RF where R = Li, Na, K, (LiNa), (NaK) and (KLi). By evaluating the Judd—Ofelt intensity parameters for the measured absorption levels, the recorded photoluminescence spectra have been analysed to estimate the fluorescent radiative properties (A, A_T, β_R) and the stimulated emission cross-sections (σ^E_P) of the following luminescence transitions:¹G₄→³H₆ (λ=451 nm)¹D₂→³H₄ (λ=468 nm)³P₀→³F₂ (λ=482 nm)¹D₂→³H₅ (λ=492 nm)These have been determined in order to understand the alkali effects on the Tm³⁺-optical glasses studied.     

Immobilization of folic acid on Eu3+-doped nanoporous silica spheres

Folic acid (FA) was immobilized on Eu(3+)-doped nanoporous silica spheres (Eu:NPSs) through mediation of the 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane adlayer. The ordered nanopores of Eu:NPS were preserved by the immobilization. The FA-immobilized Eu:NPSs showed the characteristic photoluminescence peak due to interactions between the FA molecules and Eu(3+) ions, and highly dispersed stability in phosphate buffered saline.     

Laser spectroscopic studies of Tb3+-doped oxyfluoroborate glass

Tb3+-doped oxyfluoroborate glasses have been prepared for different concentrations of Tb. The absorption, fluorescence and photoacoustic spectra of these have been recorded and studied. It is marked that the fluorescence intensity of different fluorescence transitions decreases with the increase of Tb ion concentration in the glass. This quenching at higher concentration is due to the energy transfer among the excited and nearest neighbor unexcited Tb ions in the glass. The lifetime measurement confirms it, as the lifetime of a particular state was found to decrease with the increase of Tb ion concentration in the glass. The mechanism of the energy transfer process was determined to involve quadrupole quadrupole interaction. We have also studied the energy transfer from Tb3+-->Pr3+ when both the rare earths are doped together in the glass. A decrease in the lifetime of the 5D4 level of Tb3+ with the increase of Pr3+ concentration confirms this.     

Eu3+掺杂的XFn-H3BO3玻璃材料的声子边带分析

制备了组分为５９．５Ｈ３ＢＯ３－４０ＸＦｎ－０．５Ｅｕ２Ｏ３（Ｘ＝Ｃａ,Ｍｇ,Ｙ,Ｐｂ：ｎ＝２或３）的玻璃材料,用Ｅｕ＾３＋对玻璃材料进行了声子边蛭 声子边带谱的高频模式进行了拟合,同时计算了与无辐射跃迁密切相关的不同模式的电声子耦合常数。结果表明电声子耦合常数ｇ由大到小随氟化物种类的变化顺序为ＣａＦ２、ＹＦ３、ＭｇＦ２、ＰｂＦ２,不同样品的声子边带谱与Ｒａｍａｎ散射谱的测定结果基本一致。     

Ellipsometric investigations of Fe3+-doped polyvinyl alcohol films

In this work, we study the inclusion mechanism of Fe³⁺ ions in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. Thin films of pure and FeCl₃-doped PVA on silicon substrates, prepared by the spin-coating method, are investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. SE measurements of PVA and Fe³⁺-doped thin films are carried out at an incidence angle of 75° over the wavelength range of 0.24–1.1 μm. An optical model is used to obtain the refractive index (n) and the extinction coefficient (k). The gap energy E _g is afterwards evaluated. The Fe³⁺ doping is found to affect strongly the optical parameters of the polymer films. In fact, an increase in the refractive index with doping is observed, resulting from the intermolecular hydrogen bonding between Fe³⁺ ions with the adjacent OH group of PVA. The increase of the thin films' absorption with doping is estimated by the k spectral profile analysis. The gap energy is then calculated and shows an important decrease with the Fe³⁺ filling, more pronounced for low doped samples. Such a behavior is confirmed by FT-IR analysis.     

Fluorescence properties of Nd3+ -doped InF3 based optical glasses

This paper presents the preparation and photoluminescence characteristics of a new series of Nd³⁺ -doped InF₃ based glass systems of the following compositions: 48 InF₃24 BaF₂7 AlF₃20 RF1 NdF₃ where RF=LIF, NaF and KF. Besides our understanding of the optical properties, the relevant physical properties concerning these glasses have also been dealt with. Based on the fluorescence results obtained from both the theory and experiments on these optical glasses, it was found that the Nd³⁺-doped Glass-A with 20 M% LiF was better in optical behaviour than the other two glasses.     

Cellulose fibers modified by Eu3+-doped yttria-stabilized zirconia nanoparticles

This paper describes a method for manufacturing luminescent cellulose fibers. Good optical properties of cellulose fibers under UV-C illumination were achieved by incorporating ZrO₂ (0.5?mol% of Eu³⁺) stabilized by Y₂O₃ (7?mol%) into the fiber structure’s particles. Fibers were obtained from 8?wt% cellulose solution in N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMMO) with the addition of a luminescent modifier in the range between 0.5 and 10?wt%. The physico-chemical and mechanical parameters and the structure of these fibers were examined.     

Devitrification of Nd3+-doped glasses in the akermanite-gehlenite system

The devitrification of glasses in the akermanite-gehlenite system [(C₂Al_2?2yMg_ySi_1+yO₇ (0≤y≤1)] doped with Nd³⁺ (2% mol) has been studied. DTA was used to determine the kinetics of the process. The Avrami law α=1-exp(?kt ⁿ) withn=1 was found to hold for doped gehlenite. For pure gehlenite, parametern was determined to be 1.5. The activation energy of the devitrification process is independent of the presence of neodymium, and it is of the same order of magnitude as that for the viscous flow in molten silicates (ca. 650–750 kJ·mol^?1).     

Structural and spectroscopic properties of LaOF:Eu3+ nanocrystals prepared by the sol-gel Pechini method

A new method was used to obtain Eu(3+)-doped LaOF nanocrystals. The obtained nanocrystals were synthesized for the first time using a modified Pechini sol-gel method. The products were analyzed by X-ray powder diffraction and the Rietveld method. Optimal conditions for the synthesis were found. Luminescent properties of the tetragonal and rhombohedral LaOF:Eu(3+) nanocrystals were investigated by collecting excitation and luminescence spectra. The most effective dopant concentrations in both hosts were found. Luminescent lifetimes were also measured. The time-resolved luminescent traces showed both a growth and a decay, which pointed to energy transfer processes between Eu(3+) ions in the LaOF host. In order to explain these phenomena, an adequate mechanism has been proposed. Intensity parameters Ω(2), Ω(4) and quantum efficiencies were calculated using the Judd-Ofelt theory, allowing for an extensive study of the luminescent properties of Eu(3+) ion in the LaOF matrix.     

Thermal study in Eu3+-doped boehmite nanofibers and luminescence properties of the corresponding Eu3+:Al2O3

Eu³⁺-doped boehmite nanofiber materials with different Eu³⁺ concentrations were synthesized without any surfactant, and followed by a series of characterizations. It was found that the boehmite nanofibers became coarser with the increase of Eu³⁺ concentration, which resulted in a gradual decrease of their specific surface areas. Moreover, the thermal stability of the boehmite nanofibers was studied by thermogravimetry–differential scanning calorimetry. All materials showed the phase transition from γ-Al₂O₃ to other forms. Yet the transition temperature was increased with the increase of Eu³⁺ concentration. The Eu³⁺-doped boehmite nanofibers with the maximum Eu³⁺ concentrations showed the best thermal stability. Photoluminescence spectra showed that the 2 mol% of doping concentration of Eu³⁺ ions in Eu³⁺:Al₂O₃ nanofiber was optimum.