High optical performance of Gd2O3-doped PVA/PVP composite films for electronic and laser CUT-OFF filters

Abstract

Developing new composite materials with significant features is required for essential research and applications in many fields. The blend of the hydrophilic polymeric composites was considered as host carriers for significant rare-earth sources of Gd2O3 at various concentrations (0.05–9.87 wt. %) using the solution casting method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) ascertained the structural behavior of the prepared polymeric films, while the impressive Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) analysis landmark the existence of the O-H group on the PVA/PVP polymers. The extraordinary effects of different ratios of Gd2O3 dopants on the optical characteristics of the synthesized composite films were investigated using a UV–vis spectrophotometer. The transmittance spectra of pure PVA/PVP polymeric composites have been recorded to be 90 % in the visible region, then decreased to 66 %, increasing the Gd2O3 concentrations. Also, the absorption spectra of the examined Gd2O3-doped PVA/PVP films peak at 212 nm, revealing the π-π transition of blend segments. Furthermore, adding the Gd2O3 rare-earth dopants to the PVA/PVP polymers raised the bandgap energy and extinction coefficient values. Several theoretical models were applied to accurately evaluate the linear refractive index (n) and nonlinear optical parameters based on the prepared polymeric films' optical energy bandgaps (Eg). This research highlighted some outcome advantages of the semi-crystalline structure, outstanding linear optical energy bandgaps, refractive indexes, dielectric constant, optical limiting, and nonlinear optical properties of the proposed Gd2O3-doped PVA/PVP nanocomposite polymeric films. In conclusion, the synthesized Gd2O3 rare-earth source with a blend of PVA/PVP composites has vital influential and promising roles in practical optoelectronics and cut-off filters.