Divulging the effect of compositional variation (Li+, Zn2+, B3+, Ti4+) on color tunable luminescence of Tb3+- Sm3+ ions co-doped tellurite glasses for solid state laser applications

Abstract

A new batch of Tb³⁺/Sm³⁺ co-imbued tellurite glasses based on the compositional variation of oxidation state (where, X = Li⁺, Zn²⁺, B³⁺, Ti⁴⁺) have been prepared by the melt quenching method for color tunable solid state laser applications. The detailed structural information of the present glass system has been analyzed by performing XRD and FTIR measurements. Luminescence spectra of the titled glasses evince two strong emissions at 542 nm (green: Tb³⁺ ions) and 599 nm (orange: Sm³⁺ ions). The spectral overlapping of the emission spectra of Tb³⁺ ions and the excitation spectra of Sm³⁺ ions ensures the effective energy transfer from Tb³⁺→ Sm³⁺ ions. The emission intensity as well as the luminescence decay lifetime becomes shorter with change in oxidation state of incorporated metal oxides owing to the dominance of phonon relaxation and increment of the traps and defects within the glass network. The shifting of the emitted color tone towards reddish-orange region in CIELab space highlights that the investigated glasses hold promise for use in tunable solid-state laser systems. These research findings provide a strong foundation for the development of new materials for advancement in laser technologies.