The effect of co-dopants (Cu3+, Sm3+-ions) on the optical properties of Sodium-Zinc-Borate glasses

Abstract

In this article, we describe the synthesis and optical characteristics of (Cu2+, Sm3+-ions) doped sodium zinc borate glasses made using the conventional melt quenching technique. The produced glasses were investigated using XRD, UV-Visible-NIR, and Photoluminescence spectroscopy. XRD analysis reveals the amorphous nature of produced glass samples. The presence of both Cu2+ and Sm3+ ions may be seen in UV-Visible-NIR absorption spectra in the 200-2000 nm range. Refractive index, density, and energy band gaps were all examined as physical and optical variables.In addition, photoluminescence emission spectra for two excitation wavelengths, 290 nm and 400 nm, were obtained to confirm Cu2+ and Sm3+-ions-induced photoluminescence in sodium zinc borate glasses, respectively. When using a 290 nm excitation, the spectra exhibited one wide emission peak about 460 nm, however when using a 400 nm excitation, the spectra revealed three separate peaks in the visible region.The spectral properties of all of the samples were identical. The drop in PL intensity with Sm3+ concentration might be attributed to energy transfer between copper and samarium ions with 400 nm excitation. Surprisingly, the glass sample with 1 mol% Sm3+ exhibits the highest visible PL intensity / emission. The investigation’s findings show that the produced samples are viable candidates for photonic and LED applications.