Abstract

Sm3+ singly doped and Sm3+ co-doped with varying concentration of ZnS nanoparticles (ZnS NPs) in silica matrix were fabricated via sol-gel route and investigated by various structural, thermo-gravimetric and spectroscopic techniques. Structural characterizations were done by XRD, EDX, TEM and FTIR whereas thermo-gravimetric characterization was performed by TGA/DTG technique. The structural studies reveal the presence of nanosized ZnS particles in the amorphous silica matrix. Spectroscopic studies were performed through absorption, excitation, emission and decay spectra of the fabricated samples. The dependence of Judd-Ofelt and various radiative parameters of Sm3+ on the concentration of ZnS NPs in the studied matrix were evaluated. Significantly high value of Ω2 obtained for the present system reveals effective network modifying nature of the ZnS NPs. The PL behaviour showed strong concentration dependence on ZnS NPs and showed optimum for the ZnS concentration of 0.5 M. The emission transition 4G5/2 → 6H9/2 of Sm3+ corresponding to the red colour observed at 642 nm for silica matrix in the present study showed excellent radiative behaviour compared to other popular glass hosts. This indicates ZnS NPs co-doped Sm3+ sol-gel silica matrix to be a prospective candidate for laser and other optical device applications.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.