Structural and luminescence properties of Sm3+ -doped bismuth phosphate glass for orange-red photonic applications.

Abstract

In the present study, the effect of bismuth oxide (Bi2 O3 ) content on the structural and optical properties of 0.5Sm3+ -doped phosphate glass and the effect of concentration on structural and optical properties of Sm3+ -doped bismuth phosphate (BiP) glass were studied. Structural characterization was accomplished using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Optical properties were studied using absorption, photoluminescence and decay measurements. Using optical absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt parameters were derived to determine the local structure and bonding in the vicinity of Sm3+ ions. The emission spectra of Sm3+ -doped BiP glass showed two intense emission bands, 4 G5/2 →6 H7/2 (orange) and 4 G5/2 →6 H9/2 (red) for which the stimulated emission cross-sections (σe ) and branching ratios (β) were found to be higher. The quantum efficiencies were also calculated from decay measurements recorded for the 4 G5/2 level of Sm3+ ions. The suitable combination of Bi2 O3 (10mol%) and Sm3+ (0.5mol%) ions in these glasses acted as an efficient lasing material and might be suitable for the development of visible orange-red photonic materials.