Concentration dependence of visible luminescence from Pr³⁺-doped niobium zinc barium boro-tellurite glasses

Abstract

This study explored the luminescence properties of a glass with the compositions defined in the formula (30-x)TeO2-30B2O3-10ZnO-20BaO-10Nb2O5, doped with varying concentrations of praseodymium (Pr3+) ions (x = 0.00 to 1.50 mol%). The investigation covers multiple aspects, including the physical, structural, optical, and luminescence properties, to explain the material’s behaviour with respect to its physical attributes. The measured density, molar volume, and refractive index span a range of 3.76-3.86 g/cm3, 35-36 cm3/mol, and 1.71-1.79, respectively. Structural analysis through FTIR spectroscopy demonstrates characteristic stretching vibrations of Te-O (677 cm−1) and B-O (892 cm−1) bonds, providing insight into the molecular arrangement within the glass composition. The optical investigation on transitions from the ground state 3H4 to higher-energy states: 1D2 (590 nm), 1G4 (1008 nm), 3F3 (1529 nm), and 3F2 (1932 nm). These emission peaks furnish crucial information on the material’s electron transitions, which are suitable for curtain potential applications in optical devices. Significantly, our study reveals a quenching effect at a Pr3+ doping concentration of 0.10 mol%, indicating interactions between Pr3+ ions and the glass matrix, affecting luminescence behaviour. This work contributes to an enhanced understanding of material properties and lays the groundwork for potential applications in luminescence and optical technologies.