Spectral dispersion of linear optical properties for Sm2O3 doped B2O3–PbO–Al2O3 glasses

Glasses having composition (B2O3)25 (PbO)70 (Al2O3)5 (Sm2O3)x ,where x=0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 and 5 g were prepared using the normal melt quench technique. Spectral reflectance and transmittance at normal incidence of the glass samples are recorded with a spectrophotometer in the spectral range 220–2200 nm. These measured values are introduced into analytical expressions to calculate the real and imaginary parts of the refractive indices. Wemple–DiDomenico single oscillator model and one-term Sellmeier dispersion relations are used to model the real refractive indices. Dispersion parameters such as: single oscillator energy, dispersion energy, lattice oscillating strength, average oscillator wavelength, average oscillator strength and Abbe's number are deduced and compared. Absorption dispersion parameters such as: Fermi energy, optical energy gap for direct and indirect transitions, Urbach energy and steepness parameter are calculated. Effects of doping Sm2O3 on these linear optical parameters are investigated and interpreted.

► Six B2O3–PbO–Al2O3–Sm2O3 glass samples with different Samarium oxide contents are prepared using high temperature solid-state method.
► Analytical expressions are used to calculate the real and imaginary parts of the refractive indices from spectral reflectance and transmittance.
► Two dispersion relations have been used to model the real refractive indices of the glass samples.