Investigation of photoluminescence and spectroscopic properties of Sm3+-doped heavy phosphate glasses before and after gamma irradiation

The present study comprises the effects of some selected heavy metal oxides (PbO, Bi2O3, CdO, BaO) in binary phosphate glasses on the collective optical, photoluminescence, FTIR and ESR spectra with the presence of samarium ions before and after gamma irradiation (10 Mrad). The optical spectral results reveal the appearance of distinct UV absorption related to traces impurity of Fe3+ ions besides the additional presence of two rows of extending (visible-near IR) absorption due to sm(3+) ions. The effects of heavy metal oxides and gamma irradiation show minor changes in the optical spectra. PL spectra show prominent emission and excitation peaks which are characteristic for trivalent samarium (Sm3+) ions. FTIR spectra reveal pronounced IR vibrational peaks due to the phosphate groups beside the sharing of mixed or interfering structural units of PbO4, BiO6-BiO3 or CdO4. ESR spectral data reveal similar signals with the different heavy metal oxide partner and confirming that the trivalent samarium is the dominant species as revealed by optical spectral measurements. The extra thermal expansion data are found to be comparable with limited variations due to the type of partner heavy metal oxide and its ability to share in forming some additional structural units. The overall results have been interpreted and evaluated.

Automated summary

This study explores the effects of selected heavy metal oxides on the behavior of samarium ions in binary phosphate glasses. The optical, photoluminescence, FTIR, and ESR spectra were examined before and after gamma irradiation to understand any changes. Results showed minor alterations in optical spectra due to heavy metal oxides and gamma irradiation, with prominent emission and excitation peaks characteristic of trivalent samarium ions observed in the PL spectra.