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=0.1–1.0wt%) of Sm2O3 as an optically active dopant. The values of Judd–Ofelt (JO) parameters (Ωt) follow the trend Ω2>Ω4>Ω6. 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 488nm excitation. A decrease in the quantum yield is observed with increasing Sm3+ ion concentration beyond 1% doping level. •Lanthanum boro-germanate glasses doped with samarium ions are good laser host matrix.•These glasses show large emission cross-sections (σP) values.•These glasses show large gain bandwidth and optical gain parameters.•These glasses are suitable candidate for reddish-orange laser applications.