Thermo–optic characterization of neodymium/nickel doped silica glasses prepared via sol–gel route

Intrinsic as well as rare earth (Neodymium) doped silica glasses with various molar ratio of dopant and a metallic (Nickel) co-dopant is prepared via sol–gel route. The structural characterization of the sample is carried out using X-ray diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The influence of dopant and doping concentration on the optical properties of silica matrix is investigated via UV–VIS absorption spectroscopy. Effect of dopant on thermal effusivity value of the host matrix is carried out by laser induced open cell photoacoustic technique. Analysis of the results showed that doping affect the thermal effusivity value and results are interpreted in terms of structural modification of the lattice and phonon assisted heat transport mechanism.

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► Nd and Ni ions are incorporated into silica samples by sol–gel route.
► Structural and optical properties of the samples are modified.
► Structural modification resulted in the enhancement of thermal effusivity.