The energy transfer efficiency from Yb3+ to Nd3+ in SrOPb3O4 ZnOP2O5 glass system-Influence of lead ions

Abstract This study is focused on the principal role of Pb 3 O 4 on the enhancement of 1.06 μm emission line of Nd 3+ ion in Nd 3+ and Yb 3+ co-doped ZnO-SrO-P 2 O 5 glass system. The concentrations of Nd 2 O 3 and Yb 2 O 3 are fixed, whereas Pb 3 O 4 content is varied from 2.0 to 10.0 mol%. The emission spectrum of Nd 3+ individually doped glass exhibited emission bands at 890, 1060 and 1330 nm. When the glasses are co-doped with Yb 3+ ions and excited at 808 nm, 1060 nm emission band is found to be intensified and further strengthened with increase in the concentration of Pb 3 O 4 upto 8.0 mol%. The reasons for enhancement in the intensity of this emission due to co-doping and admixing of Pb 3 O 4 have been identified and discussed (in the light of varying environment of the glass network in the vicinity of rare earth ions) with the aid of the results of EPR and IR spectral studies.