Electron spin resonance and optical absorption spectroscopic studies of Cu2+ ions in aluminium lead borate glasses

Electron Spin Resonance and optical absorption spectral studies of Cu2+ ions in 5 Al2O3 + 75 B2O3 + (20-z) PbO + z CuO (where z = 0.1–1.5 mol.% of CuO) glasses have been reported. The EPR spectra of all the glasses show resonance signals characteristic of Cu2+ ions at both room and low temperatures. The number of spins and Gibbs energy were calculated at different concentrations and temperatures. From the plot of the ratio of logarithmic number of spins and absolute temperature and the reciprocal of absolute temperature, the entropy and enthalpy have been evaluated. The optical absorption spectra of all the glasses exhibit three bands and these bands have been assigned to 2B1g → 2Eg, 2B1g → 2B2g, and 2B1g → 2A1g transitions in the decreasing order of energy. It is for the first time to observe three optical absorption bands for Cu2+ ions in oxide glasses. Such type of results is due to excellent sample preparation. From the EPR and optical absorption spectroscopies data, the molecular orbital coefficients have been evaluated.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► It is for the first time to study optical absorption and EPR in these glasses. ► The thermal properties are new and interesting in this glass system. ► It is for the first time to report three optical bands for Cu2+ in oxide glasses. ► The interesting optical results are due to excellent sample preparation.