Optical properties of Sm3+ ions in zinc and alkali zinc borosulphate glasses

Optical absorption spectra are presented for Sm3+ ions in zinc and alkali zinc borosulphate glasses at room temperature. The absorption bands, responsible for various transitions, are assigned and analysed in terms of a parametrized model Hamiltonian (H-FI). Energy levels and reduced matrix elements calculations were carried out using the complete 198 SLJ basis set for the 4f(5)(Sm3+) configuration. From optical absorption measurements and using the Judd-Ofelt theory, radiative properties for fluorescent levels of Sm3+ ions have been predicted. Variation of the energy parameters, intensity parameters and radiative properties of Sm3+ doped glasses is examined. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.