Influence of PbF2 concentration on thermal, structural and spectroscopic properties of Eu3+-doped lead phosphate glasses

Effects of PbF2 content on the local structure, thermal and spectroscopic properties of Eu3+ ions in lead phosphate glass systems have been studied. The glass samples, where PbO was partially or totally replaced by PbF2, were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and luminescence spectroscopy. Based on DSC curves, characteristic temperatures and the thermal stability parameters useful for glass fiber drawing were determined. In order to confirm glass structure, XRD measurements were used. Luminescence spectra and their decays were analyzed in details. Especially, the changes of red-to-orange luminescence intensity ratios R/O (Eu3+) and measured lifetimes for 5D0 excited state of Eu3+ are presented and discussed as a function of PbF2 concentration.