Gd2O3-modulated borate glass for the enhancement of near-infrared emission via energy transfer from Gd3+ to Nd3+

Abstract

(Li₂O)_0.20(SrO)_0.30(Nd₂O₃)_0.01(B₂O₃)_0.49−x(Gd₂O₃)_x, where x = 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mol%, glass was melt-quenched to test it as a laser source in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The structural modification, absorption spectra, Judd–Ofelt (J–O) parameters, luminescence spectra, radiative laser parameters, lifetimes, XRD, and FTIR spectra were studied. Luminescence spectra excited at λ_exc = 584 nm revealed the highest intensity peak at 1073 nm due to the transition of ⁴F_3/2 → ⁴I_11/2. An important phenomenon of concentration quenching was observed and optimized luminescence was achieved with the sample having the concentration x = 07 mol%. The lifetimes of the donor and acceptor and energy transfer from gadolinium to neodymium were obtained from the luminescence decay kinetics. The findings show that Nd-doped Gd₂O₃-modified glass materials have potential as NIR laser sources.