Spectral characteristics of Tb3+ doped ZnF2–K2O–Al2O3–B2O3 glasses for epoxy free tricolor w-LEDs and visible green laser applications

Abstract

In the current work, a series of Zinc Potassium Alumino fluoroborate (ZKAlFB) glasses doped with different concentrations of Terbium ions (Tb3+) were synthesized by employing the melt-quench technique. The spectroscopic properties of the as-prepared glass samples were examined using characterization techniques like XRD, FT-IR, DSC, UV–vis–NIR absorption and emission to unlock their utility in photonic devices. Absorption spectral information was used to determine the nature of bonding between Tb3+ ions and its surrounding ligands. FT-IR spectral information recorded for an undoped glass has been used to understand various functional groups present in the as-prepared ZKAlFB glass. The DSC thermogram was used to estimate glass thermal stability (ΔT) and transition temperature (Tg) of the as-prepared ZKAlFB glass. The Judd-Ofelt (J-O) intensity parameters estimated from absorption spectral data are correlated with the emission spectral profiles to estimate radiative properties. The photoluminescence (PL) intensity of the as-prepared ZKAlFBTb glasses is found to be maximum for 1 mol% of Tb3+ ions and beyond decreases showing concentration quenching. Using PL spectral data, the CIE color coordinates, and Correlated Color Temperature (CCT) values were evaluated to understand the suitability of the as-prepared glasses for green color emitting photonic devices. The experimental lifetime values estimated from the decay profiles are decreasing with elevation in Tb3+ ion concentration due to energy transfer through the cross-relaxation process. Quantum efficiency (η), emission cross-section (σse), CIE and CCT values obtained for 1 mol% Tb3+ ions doped ZKAlFB glass demonstrates its superiority in fabricating epoxy free tricolor w-LEDs and visible green lasers.