Composition dependent structural and optical properties of Sm3+ doped boro-tellurite glasses

► FTIR spectra reveal the presence of BO3 and BO4 non-bridging oxygen as well as strong OH− bonds in the prepared glasses. ► Lower values of the Ω2 JO parameter exhibits asymmetric nature of the ion site. ► Higher stimulated emission cross-section value is the attractive feature for low threshold, high gain laser applications. ► Among the prepared glasses, Sm3+:B4TS glass is found to be suitable for developing the visible laser applications. ► The quantum efficiency of the 4G5/2 fluorescent level is found to be less due to the cross relaxation between the pair of Sm3+ ions.