Spectroscopic studies of gamma irradiated Nd doped phosphate glasses

Ultra violet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of Nd doped phosphate glasses have been studied before and after gamma irradiation in order to understand the changes in the optical properties of glasses as well as to find the characteristics frequencies of the vibrational modes of chemical bonds, which decide the structural and spectral changes. UV, Vis, IR absorption and photoluminescence spectra of these glasses show changes depending on the composition of glass matrix. These changes are correlated on the basis of oxygen (O) and neodymium (Nd) concentration ratio obtained from energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopic (EDX) measurement. Gamma irradiation shows decrease in transmission below 700 nm for all the Nd3+ absorption lines from all the samples. Differential absorption spectra (UV-vis) of the samples before and after gamma irradiation show generation of some new bands below 700 nm along with dips (decrease) in the spectrum at the location of main Nd3+ absorption lines. This is attributed to the generation of different types of defects in the glass matrix along with possibility of change in the valence state of Nd3+ to Nd2+. IR absorption spectra of these glasses are found dominated mainly by the characteristics phosphate groups and water (OH) present in the glass network. The effects of gamma irradiation on IR absorption are observed in the form of bond breaking and possible re-arrangement of bonding. EDX and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) measurements indicate decrease in the relative concentration of oxygen in the glass samples after γ-irradiation.

► Higher absorption and photoluminescence for low value of O to Nd ratio.
► IR study indicates hygroscopic nature of phosphate glasses.
► γ-irradiation creates defects in glasses particularly changes in Nd3+ to Nd2+.
► Oxygen content of glass samples decreases after γ-irradiation.
► Bond breaking and their rearrangement have been noted after γ-irradiation.