The Fluorescence of Pr3+ in Zinc Lithium Bismuth Borate Glasses with Large Stimulated Emission Cross Section

Abstract

Glass sample of Zinc Lithium Bismuth Borate (25-x) Bi2O3:20Li2O:20ZnO:35B2O3:xPr6O11, (where x = 1, 1.5 and 2 mol%) has been prepared by melt-quenching technique. The amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The absorption spectra of three Pr3+ doped zinc lithium bismuth borate glasses have been recorded at room temperature. The observed optical spectra are discussed in terms of energy states and the intensity of the transitions. The various interaction parameters like Slater-Condon, Lande, bonding and Racah parameters have been computed. Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and laser parameters have also been calculated. The stimulated emission cross section (σp) for the transition (3P0 → 3F2) is found to be in the range 3.12 - 10.43 * 10-20 cm2. The σp values are comparatively large suggesting the possible utilization of these materials in laser applications.