Modeling and optical characterization of γ-irradiated Cu2+Doped borate glasses as bandpass optical filters

Novel systems of alkali borate glasses with various CuO concentrations from 0.2 up to 1.5 mol% have been prepared by the conventional melt-quenching technique. Several optical, physical, and structural characteristics of the prepared glasses have been examined before and after incremental γ-irradiation doses. The intensity of the blue color of the glasses is controlled by CuO concentrations, with Cu+/Cu2+ in ionic equilibrium. UV/Vis absorption peaks centered at 740 nm can be correlated to a tetragonal twist of the octahedral structure due to 2B1g-2B2g electronic transition. Photoluminescence (PL) extinction spectra can be attributed to Cu+-Cu+ energy migration after Cu+→ Cu2+ energy transfer. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements show sharp signals at magnetic fields ranging from 3344 to 3326 Gauss (g = 2.08–2.09), corresponding to the divalent copper state (Cu2+) in octahedral units. FTIR spectra revealed stable structures towards irradiation. Either an increase in CuO content or irradiation led to greater UV absorption, lower PL intensity, lower bandgap (Eopt), lower density, larger molar volume, and slightly more intense ESR signals. Copper ions can be considered as modifiers since they increase the degree of disorder in the glassy network. UV/NIR band stop, FWHM, and center of peaks confirmed the high efficiency of the prepared Cu-doped glasses as colored optical bandpass filters in the green and near-blue regions for UV/IR light laser protection. •New CuO -doped borate glasses display superior optical and photoluminescence properties.•The best clarity of blue light for CIE chromaticity coordinates appeares for the lowest CuO- doped glass (0.2 mol. %).•Gamma irradiation effects up to 30 kGy are followed by FTIR and ESR spectra.•UV-NIR bandstop, FWHM and center of peaks, reveal the promising usage of glasses as optical bandpass filters in green and near-blue regions.