Structure, stability and optical parameters of cobalt zinc borate glasses

In this study, the impact of cobalt oxide (CoO) on the structure, stability, linear and nonlinear optical parameters of B2O3-Na2O-ZnO glasses was scrutinized. A series of glass system (ZnCoNaB-glasses) was successfully prepared through the melt quenching approach. Optical absorbance, reflectance, transmittance and FTIR spectroscopy were performed for all ZnCoNaB-glasses. The FTIR results showed that the BO4 units are enhanced while nonbridging oxygens are decreased with further CoO addition. Furthermore, ZnO exists as four-coordinated [ZnO4] units and these units decreased with further doping of CoO. These structural variations produce a decreasing impact in Urbach energy and nonlinear refractive index, meanwhile enhance the glass stability. Further, the metallization criterion (M) values indicate that our glass samples can be used for a new generation of nonlinear optical glasses. The preceding results can predict that the investigated ZnCoNaB-glasses will be utilized in versatile applications; especially optical switching and computing.

Automated summary

By adding cobalt oxide, the non-linear refractive index of the glass was increased, while the Urbach energy was decreased. The stability of the glass was enhanced, making it suitable for applications such as optical switching and computing.