Enhanced UVB 311 emission in Sb2O3–SiO2 glasses doped with Gd2O3 and tailored Pb3O4 content for potential phototherapy

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of the sharp 311 nm UVB emission from Gd3+ ions in antimony silicate glass system doped with a fixed concentration of Gd2O3 (1.0 mol%) and varying amounts of red lead (40–10 mol%). The emission spectra revealed an intense sharp UVB band at 311 nm, originating from the 6P7/2 → 8S7/2 transition of gadolinium ions upon excitation at 273 nm. Interestingly, the intensity of this band nearly doubles as the Pb3O4 content decreases from 40 to 10 mol%. Such improvement was attributed to the decomposition of Pb3O4 into various phases that include α-PbO2, β-PbO2 polymorphs, and PbO. Out of these decomposition products, PbO acted as modifiers, reduced phonon losses and consequently enhanced the emission intensity. The decrease in Pb3O4 content is also hypothesized to promote de-clustering of Gd3+ ions within the glass matrix. This de-clustering reduced cross-relaxation losses, further contributed to the observed emission enhancement. In summary, this study demonstrated a successful strategy for boosting the UVB emission from Gd3+ ions in antimony silicate glasses by manipulating the content of Pb3O4.