The energy transfer efficiency from Yb3+ to Nd3+ in SrO-Pb3O4- ZnO- P2O5 glass system-Influence of lead ions

This study is focused on the principal role of Pb3O4 on the enhancement of 1.06 mu m emission line of Nd3+ ion in Nd3+ and Yb3+ co-doped ZnO-SrO-P2O5 glass system. The concentrations of Nd2O3 and Yb2O3 are fixed, whereas Pb3O4 content is varied from 2.0 to 10.0 mol%. The emission spectrum of Nd3+ individually doped glass exhibited emission bands at 890, 1060 and 1330 nm. When the glasses are co-doped with Yb3+ ions and excited at 808 nm, 1060 nm emission band is found to be intensified and further strengthened with increase in the concentration of Pb3O4 upto 8.0 mol%. The reasons for enhancement in the intensity of this emission due to co-doping and admixing of Pb3O4 have been identified and discussed (in the light of varying environment of the glass network in the vicinity of rare earth ions) with the aid of the results of EPR and IR spectral studies. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.