Optical and structural investigation of Eu3+ ions in Nd3+ co-doped magnesium lead borosilicate glasses

The Eu3+ ions doped MgO–PbO–B2O3–SiO2–Nd2O3 glasses have been prepared by melt-quenching technique. The optical and the structural characterizations are carried out for these glass samples. UV–Vis–NIR absorption spectra have prominent absorption bands in the Vis–NIR regions because of spectra materials Eu3+, Nd3+ ions in the glass network. Luminescence spectra are recorded with an excited wavelength of 355 nm; the Eu3+ doped glasses have seven luminescence bands. The Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters, radiative transition probabilities and branching ratios are estimated for the observed Eu3+ luminescence bands in the spectra and compared with other literature data for Eu3+ in various compounds. The influence of Eu3+ ions on structure of the glass network has been studied by means of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The polymerization of the glass network takes place by the addition of Eu3+ ions due to the replacement of bonds B–O–B, Si–O–Si with more resistant B–O–Si, Si–O–Pb bonds. Along with spectroscopic parameters some physical parameters like density and refractive index are measured for these glasses.

► The intensity variation in optical bands is due to the ion–ion interaction.
► Intensive luminescence bands are observed due to 5D0→7F2, 5D0→7F4 transitions.
► The addition of Eu3+ ions, the glass network becomes polymerization.
► The J–O theory suggests higher asymmetry around Eu3+ ions.