Structural, optical and thermal investigations on Dy3+ doped NaF–Li2O–B2O3 glasses

Structural, optical and thermal properties of Dy3+ doped lithium fluoroborate glasses have been studied for various concentrations of Dy3+ from 0.5 to 5 wt%. The XRD studies confirm the amorphous nature of the glasses while the FTIR spectra reveal the presence of BO3 and BO4 local structural units. The UV–VIS–NIR absorption studies were carried out to calculate the bonding parameters (β¯ and δ), to identify the ionic/covalent nature of the glasses. The JO parameters, experimental and theoretical oscillator strengths were also determined and reported. The luminescence spectra have been studied to determine the radiative transition probability (A  ), stimulated emission cross section (σPE) and the experimental and calculated branching ratios (βR) for the excited levels that include 4F9/2→6H11/2, 6H13/2, and 6H15/2 transitions. The variation of optical properties with varying concentrations of dysprosium oxide content in the glasses are reported and discussed. The thermal behavior of Dy3+ doped lithium fluoroborate glasses have been reported by recording DSC thermograms.