Analysis of the Optical and Physical Properties of Samarium Oxide Doped Lead Borate Glasses
Session Number
Project ID: PHYS 08
Advisor(s)
Dr. P. K. Babu, Western Illinois University
Dr. Saisudha B. Mallur, Western Illinois University
Discipline
Physical Science
Start Date
17-4-2024 8:35 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 8:50 AM
Abstract
We prepared a series of lead borate glasses doped with rare earth ions and with varying PbO content and studied their refractive index, optical band gap, fluorescence, and density. Using a Brewster’s angle setup, we measured the refractive indices. The optical band gaps were determined by locating the edge of the optical absorption spectra recorded using an absorption spectrometer. When the amount of PbO increased in each sample, the refractive index also increased. The composition of 40mol% PbO resulted in the highest optical band gap; with further increase in PbO concentration resulting in its decrease. We were able to measure the density of our glass samples using Archimedes’ method. In comparison to our independent variable, PbO content, we observed a positive correlation between density and increasing levels of PbO content. Fluorescence measurements were carried out using a fluorescence spectrometer. From the fluorescence intensity of the rare earth ions at different wavelengths, we were able to conclude that there is a red shift in the fluorescence peak with increasing Pb concentration. This observation indicates that the rare earth ion covalent bonds become stronger and more symmetrical in their chemical environment as PbO concentration is increased.
Analysis of the Optical and Physical Properties of Samarium Oxide Doped Lead Borate Glasses
We prepared a series of lead borate glasses doped with rare earth ions and with varying PbO content and studied their refractive index, optical band gap, fluorescence, and density. Using a Brewster’s angle setup, we measured the refractive indices. The optical band gaps were determined by locating the edge of the optical absorption spectra recorded using an absorption spectrometer. When the amount of PbO increased in each sample, the refractive index also increased. The composition of 40mol% PbO resulted in the highest optical band gap; with further increase in PbO concentration resulting in its decrease. We were able to measure the density of our glass samples using Archimedes’ method. In comparison to our independent variable, PbO content, we observed a positive correlation between density and increasing levels of PbO content. Fluorescence measurements were carried out using a fluorescence spectrometer. From the fluorescence intensity of the rare earth ions at different wavelengths, we were able to conclude that there is a red shift in the fluorescence peak with increasing Pb concentration. This observation indicates that the rare earth ion covalent bonds become stronger and more symmetrical in their chemical environment as PbO concentration is increased.