Concentration-dependent on structural and optical behaviors of Yb2O3-modified Nd3+-doped phosphate glasses

Abstract

In the present work, the effects of Yb³⁺ ion concentrations on the physical, optical and structural properties of Nd³⁺ ions doped phosphate glasses have been investigated. A series of P₂O₅-Nb₂O₅-Na₂O-Li₂O-Nd₂O₃-Yb₂O₃ glasses were synthesized through melt quenching technique. The study shows that with the increasing concertation of Yb₂O₃, the density of the samples increases and the molar volume decreases, demonstrating structural changes. The structure changes also recorded from the FTIR and RAMAN spectra. The absorption spectra show the transition bands associated to Nd³⁺ and Yb³⁺ transitions, and the obvious hypersensitive transitions recorded at 582 nm. The Judd-Ofelt analysis identifies intensity parameters with Ω ₄>Ω₂>Ω ₆ trend, that can be further used to calculate radiative properties. Furthermore, the 1060 nm near-infrared emission corresponding to the Nd³⁺ (⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2) transition is significantly affected by the content of Yb³⁺ ions demonstrating the energy transfer from Nd³⁺ to Yb³⁺ ions. The optimum Nd³⁺: Yb³⁺ molar ratio of 1.0: 0.7 shows enhanced luminescence, making these glasses promising candidates for photonic applications such as lasers and light amplifiers. The study provides valuable insights into the optimization of rare earth ions concentrations in the phosphate glass matrix for use in advanced optical technologies.