Optical properties of Eu³+ ions in phosphate glasses

Abstract

Eu(3+)-doped phosphate (P(2)O(5)+K(2)O+SrO+Al(2)O(3)+Eu(2)O(3)) glasses with varying Eu(2)O(3) concentration have been prepared by standard melt quenching technique and are characterized through various spectroscopic techniques at room temperature. Luminescence spectra of these glasses exhibit the characteristic emission of Eu(3+) ion with an intense and most prominent red emission attributed to (5)D(0)→(7)F(2) transition. Crystal-field analysis has been carried out to estimate the local symmetry in the vicinity of Eu(3+) ions. Judd-Ofelt parameters have been evaluated from the luminescence intensity ratios of (5)D(0)→(7)F(J) (J=2, 4 and 6) to (5)D(0)→(7)F(1) transitions as well as absorption spectrum under different constraints. Decay rates for the (5)D(0) level of Eu(3+) ions have been recorded by monitoring the emission at around 609 nm corresponding to (5)D(0)→(7)F(2) transition. The experimental lifetime for the (5)D(0) level in title glasses is independent of Eu(3+) ion concentration.