Transition metal (Cr3+) and rare earth (Eu3+, Dy3+) ions used as a spectroscopic probe in compositional-dependent lead borate glasses

Compositional-dependent lead borate glasses doped with transition metal and rare earth ions were studied using absorption and luminescence spectroscopy. The trivalent Cr3+, Eu3+ and Dy3+ ions were used as a spectroscopic probe in glass samples with various PbO/B2O3 ratios. Spectral analysis indicates that Cr3+ ions occupy intermediate field sites; the both sites coexist and emit from the T-4(2) (low-field) and the E-2 (high-field) states. respectively. The Rand Y/B values due to D-5(0)-F-7(2)/D-5(0)-F-7(1) and F-4(9/2)-H-6(15/2)/F-4(9/2)-H-6(13/2) luminescence intensity ratios of Eu3+ and Dy3+ ions, respectively, increase with increasing heavy metal (PbO) content, suggesting higher asymmetry and more covalent bonding character between rare earth and oxygen ions. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.