Physical, structural and spectroscopic studies of Al2O3-B2O3-Sm2O3 scintillating glass doped with heavy metal oxides

Abstract

In the present paper, physical, structural, optical and luminescence properties of Sm3+ activated scintillating glasses with variation in Bi2O3 concentration have been studied. The amorphous nature of the glass samples was ascertained by the presence of a broad hump in XRD spectra. FTIR examinations advocated that Bi2O3 exists primarily as [BiO6] units and BO4 units enhanced with surging bismuth oxide content. The values of density increase continuously with the addition of Bi2O3, whereas Vm first decreases till 25 mol% Bi2O3 content, after that it is found to increase. Optical characterization of samples affirms strong sensitivity towards the absorbance of UV–visible radiation. Among the prepared samples, 35 mol% of Bi2O3 doped glass showed the lowest bandgap, high refractive index and Urbach energy. Also, it contains more localized states that confirm its suitability as a protection material from UV radiation. PL results reveal the strong emission occurs at 562, 598, 644, 704 nm wavelength and Bi15 glass exhibits maximum intensity in both excitation and emission spectrum. The intense emission peak originated from 4G5/2 → 6H7/2 transition centered at 600 nm in XRL which discloses the scintillation properties of the material. The CIE chromaticity diagram demonstrated the emission located in the reddish-orange region, which suggests prepared glasses could be useful for reddish-orange laser and LED. Thus, 15 mol% Bi2O3 doped glass becomes more efficient for the use of scintillators in high-energy physics experiments.