Investigations On Optical, Structural And Thermal Properties Of Phosphate Glasses Containing Terbium Ions

Aluminophosphate glasses belonging to the Li2O-BaO-Al2O3-La2O3- P2O5 system doped with Tb3+ were prepared and investigated. Methods as Induced Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Induced Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) have been used to establish the elemental composition of these vitreous materials. The influence of the Tb3+ ions on the optical properties of the phosphate glasses has been investigated in relation with the structural characteristics of the vitreous matrix. The optical behavior has been studied by ultra-violet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, revealing electronic transitions specific for terbium ions. Fluorescence spectroscopy measurements have been performed by excitation in the UV and visible domains (377 nm and 488 nm) which resulted in the most significant fluorescence peaks in the Vis domain (540 and 547 nm). Structural information via vibration modes were provided by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) absorption spectra in the 400-4000 cm(-1) range. Absorption peaks specific for the vitreous phosphate matrix were put in evidence as P-O-P symmetrical and asymmetrical stretching vibration modes, P-O-P bend, PO2- symmetrical and asymmetrical stretching vibration modes, P=O stretching vibration mode as well as P-O-H water absorbance. Raman spectra acquired in the 100-4000 cm(-1) range by 488, 514 and 633 nm laser excitation sources disclosed peaks also specific for the phosphate matrix, proving the role of phosphorous oxide as a vitreous network former. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analysis (DSC-TGA) provided information regarding the phase transformations that took place during the heating process and the associated thermal effects.