Low-Cost Samarium-Doped Mixed Alkali Borosilicate Glasses: Structural, Thermal, and Optical Characterization for Luminescent Applications in Art and Decoration

Abstract

Cost-effective samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃)-doped mixed-alkali borosilicate glasses were synthesized via melt-quenching at 950 °C using commercial-grade precursors. This study presents a practical and scalable route for fabricating luminescent glass with optimized Sm₂O₃ concentrations, targeting decorative and photonic applications.Structural analysis confirmed the amorphous nature and thermal stability of the glasses, while XRF revealed ppm-level transition metal impurities originating from raw materials. Despite this, increasing Sm₂O₃ content enhanced both density and orange-red luminescence under UV excitation, with optimal emission achieved at ≤0.1 mol%. Notably, samples as thin as 0.5 mm retained strong emission, demonstrating material efficiency.The chromaticity coordinates indicate warm-color emissions, with correlated color temperature (CCT) values ranging from 2370 to 2879 K. These values shift slightly under different excitation sources, demonstrating tunable visual output. Such behavior demonstrates the promise of low-cost, Sm-doped mixed-alkali borosilicate glasses as sustainable candidates for ambient lighting and decorative photonic applications.