Structure of binary neodymium borate glasses by infrared spectroscopy

Using fast roller quenching techniques, a new series of binary rare earth oxide borate glasses were synthesized, with general formula xNd2O3 + (1 − x)B2O3, where x varies up to 35 mol%. The glasses were investigated by using mid infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that the neodymium acts as a modifier, similar to an alkali metal. As x is increased, the borate glass network is shown to change from a three-coordinated to four-coordinated boron system. The results are further investigated by analyzing the spectra in terms of the location of the bands to show how the borate groups change upon neodymium addition.