Spectroscopic and laser properties of Sm3+ doped different phosphate glasses

Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra of Sm3+ ions in alkali phosphate (P2O5-Na2HPO4-R2O (R=Li, Na and K)), mixed alkali phosphate (P2O5-Na2HPO4-Li2O-R2O (R=Na, K), (P2O5-Na2HPO4-Na2O-K2O) and calcium phosphate (P2O5-Na2HPO4-CaO) glasses doped with 1 mol% of Sm2O3 have been investigated. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters (Omega(2), Omega(4) and Omega(6)) are obtained using Judd-Ofelt theory, which are inturn used in studying the radiative properties of Sm3+ doped different glass matrices. Absorption cross-sections (Sigma) and branching ratios (beta) of different transitions have been calculated from the absorption spectra. The emission spectra of Sm3+ have been recorded under the excitation wavelength 400.0 nm for all the glass matrices. From the emission spectra, emission cross-sections (sigma(p)) and branching ratios (beta) are calculated. From these studies certain transitions have been identified for the suitability of these glasses for laser application. Optical band gaps are also reported for both indirect and direct transitions of all these Sm3+ doped glass matrices. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.