Linear and non-linear optics and FTIR characteristics of borosilicate glasses doped with gadolinium ions

•Borosilicate glasses doped Gd2O3 have been prepared by rapid-quenching method.•The effect of the Gd2O3 concentrations confirmed by FTIR measurements.•The refractive index was increasing with increased of Gd2O3. Borosilicate glasses have been prepared using the high-temperature melt components of ingredients Gd2O3 doped borosilicate glasses. FTIR spectra were measured in the wavenumber range (4000–400cm−1) to explore the state and influence of Gd3+ ions in the structure of the glasses. Data indicated that B2O3 is acting as dual network formers (BO3) and (BO4) structural units whereas the gadolinium ions playing the role of network modifier in these glasses. Optical transmission spectra were recorded in the range 190–2500nm and different optical parameters such as the direct and the indirect optical band gap, Urbach energy, refractive index and optical dielectric constant, have been determined. The molar refraction, electronic polarizability and the optical basicity results have been determined using the measured glass refractive indices. Gadolinium-doped borosilicate glasses are found to be characterized by different optical parameters.