Spectroscopic Properties of Sm3+-Doped Lanthanum Borogermanate Glass

Ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) absorption and photoluminescence of (25-x) La2O3–25B2O3–50GeO2 glass series have been studied with different concentrations (x=0.1–1.0 wt%) of Sm2O3 as an optically active dopant. The values of Judd–Ofelt (JO) parameters (Ot) follow the trend O2>O4>O6. Visible emission and decay times from the 4G5/2 level and its relative quantum efficiencies are measured. Intense reddish-orange emission corresponding to 4G5/2?6H7/2 transition has been observed in these glasses under 488 nm excitation. A decrease in the quantum yield is observed with increasing Sm3+ ion concentration beyond 1% doping level