Spectroscopic and laser properties of Sm 3+ doped different phosphate glasses

Abstract

Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of Sm 3+ ions in alkali phosphate (P 2O 5–Na 2HPO 4–R 2O (R = Li, Na and K)), mixed alkali phosphate (P 2O 5–Na 2HPO 4–Li 2O–R 2O (R = Na, K), (P 2O 5–Na 2HPO 4–Na 2O–K 2O) and calcium phosphate (P 2O 5–Na 2HPO 4–CaO) glasses doped with 1 mol% of Sm 2O 3 have been investigated. Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters ( Ω 2, Ω 4 and Ω 6) are obtained using Judd–Ofelt theory, which are inturn used in studying the radiative properties of Sm 3+ doped different glass matrices. Absorption cross-sections ( ∑) and branching ratios ( β) of different transitions have been calculated from the absorption spectra. The emission spectra of Sm 3+ have been recorded under the excitation wavelength 400.0 nm for all the glass matrices. From the emission spectra, emission cross-sections ( σ P ) and branching ratios ( β) are calculated. From these studies certain transitions have been identified for the suitability of these glasses for laser application. Optical band gaps are also reported for both indirect and direct transitions of all these Sm 3+ doped glass matrices.