Spectral analysis of Eu3+:B2O3-Al2O3-MF2 (M = Zn, Ca, Pb) glasses

The influence of glass composition on the optical properties of Eu3+-doped borate glasses modified with Zn2+, Ca2+ and Pb2+ cations has been investigated. These glasses have been prepared by melt quenching technique and characterized through optical absorption, photoluminescence and decay times. An intense red luminescence is observed from the D-5(0) emitting level of Eu3+ ions in these glasses. The relative luminescence intensity ratio of D-5(0) -> F-7(2) to D-5(0) -> F-7(1) transitions has been evaluated to estimate the local site symmetry around the Eu3+ ions. Judd-Ofelt parameters have been evaluated from the absorption spectra. These parameters have been used to derive radiative properties such as transition probabilities, branching ratios, radiative lifetimes and peak stimulated emission cross-sections for the D-5(0) -> F-7(1) (J = 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4) transitions. Decay curves of the D-5(0) level of Eu3+ ions in these three glass systems have been measured by monitoring the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition at room temperature. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.