FT-IR, FT-Raman and fluorescence studies of Tb3+ ions activated lead containing sodium fluoroborate glasses

This study reports on the concentration dependent fluorescence properties of Tb3+-doped lead containing calcium zinc sodium fluoroborate (LCZSFB) glasses and are analyzed by DSC, FT-IR, FT-Raman, optical absorption, emission and decay curve spectra. Co-existence of trigonal BO3 and tetrahedral BO4 units was evidenced by FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy. Judd–Ofelt theory was applied to the experimental oscillator strengths to evaluate the J–O intensity parameters. The fluorescence spectra of Tb3+-doped glasses have revealed prominent blue and green emissions originating from 5D3 and 5D4 excited levels to 7FJ ground state multiplet, respectively. The luminescent intensity of the transitions originating from 5D4 state increases with increase of Tb3+ concentration and no quenching effect is noticed up to 2 mol% of Tb3+ ions. Chromaticity color coordinates have been calculated and the dominant emission in the green region is discussed. The nature of decay curves of 5D4 level for different Tb3+ ion concentration in all LCZSFB glasses has been analyzed. Using the J–O intensity parameters as well as from the emission and decay curve measurements, various radiative and fluorescence properties have been calculated for the 5D4 fluorescent level. Based on these results, the utility of Tb3+ ions doped LCZSFB glasses as laser active materials for high intensity emissions in the green region is discussed.