LUMINESCENT PROPERTIES OF RARE EARTH DOPED ZnO-B2O3-P2O5 GLASSES

ZnO-B2O3-P2O5 (ZBP) glasses are a comparatively new material with a wide application potential for some optic devices. This is so because they are an excellent host matrix for different rear earths, especially for samarium ions, which in turn leads to intense luminescence in the visible region. Based on some previous studies of the structure, chemical durability, thermal stability, physical and optical properties it is found that this matrix is not only a good candidate as a host material for different RE ions but it is also applicable in sensing and valuable documents protection. The present communication reports results referring to synthesis of new rare earth (Eu, Gd, Tb, Nd) doped and co-doped with Gd/Nd, Gd/Sm, Nd/Eu, Nd/Sm, Tb/Sm ZBP glasses and study of their absorption and fluorescent properties. The synthesis is performed by the conventional melt quenching method at 950oC in a muffle furnace. It is found that all synthesized glasses are homogeneous (with no gases inclusion), while some of them are fully transparent. The luminescent analysis reveals strong fluorescence in the visible and near infra-red region for different doping ions. Rare earth co-doping widens the potential applications of these glasses. ZBPs are also found a good host matrix for laser-active ions.