Structural, optical and thermal investigations on Dy doped NaF–Li2O–B2O3 glasses

Structural, optical and thermal properties of Dy³⁺ doped lithium fluoroborate glasses have been studied for various concentrations of Dy³⁺ from 0.5 to 5 wt%. The XRD studies confirm the amorphous nature of the glasses while the FTIR spectra reveal the presence of BO₃ and BO₄ local structural units. The UV–VIS–NIR absorption studies were carried out to calculate the bonding parameters ( and δ), to identify the ionic/covalent nature of the glasses. The JO parameters, experimental and theoretical oscillator strengths were also determined and reported. The luminescence spectra have been studied to determine the radiative transition probability (A), stimulated emission cross section () and the experimental and calculated branching ratios (β_R) for the excited levels that include ⁴F_9/2→⁶H_11/2, ⁶H_13/2, and ⁶H_15/2 transitions. The variation of optical properties with varying concentrations of dysprosium oxide content in the glasses are reported and discussed. The thermal behavior of Dy³⁺ doped lithium fluoroborate glasses have been reported by recording DSC thermograms.