Luminescence Properties of Samarium Ion-Doped Silicoborate Glasses for Application in Optoelectronic Material

Gadolinium sodium silicoborate glasses doped with samarium ion (Sm:GNSB) are prepared by the melt quenching technique. The glasses are studied for their physical, optical, and luminescence properties. The density, molar volume, and refractive index of glass are investigated as a function of Sm₂O₃ concentrations. Addition of Sm³⁺ ions in the glass matrix shows several absorption peaks in the visible and near-infrared region, verified by the absorption spectra. The energy transfer from Gd³⁺ to Sm³⁺ is observed by photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra, which illustrates the strongest emission occurring at 600 nm (⁴G_5/2 → ⁶H_7/2). The PL decay time of 600 nm emission under 403 nm excitation decreases with increasing Sm₂O₃ concentrations. The color coordinates of the International Commission on Illumination chromaticity show different shades of orange color under different excitations. The result of radioluminescence shows a similar trend to PL emission spectra. Glasses doped with Sm³⁺ ions find potential use as an orange color-emitting optoelectronic device application.