Structural, vibrational and dielectric studies of Sm3+-doped K–Mg–Al zincfluorophosphate glasses

Trivalent samarium doped K–Mg–Al zincfluorophosphate glasses of composition (53−x/2)P2O5+15K2O+(14−x/2)MgO+10ZnF2+8Al2O3+xSm2O3 (where x=0.0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0mol%) were prepared using the conventional melt–quenching technique and characterized for their structural, vibrational and dielectric properties. The amorphous nature, elemental analysis and thermal stability of the glasses were respectively studied by using X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectrum and differential scanning calorimetry analysis. Vibrational analysis of the structural groups in the glasses was carried out by both Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The influence of Sm3+ ions on the variation of dielectric properties of the present glasses was investigated. It is evident that the tuning of dielectric properties could be made out by tailoring the concentration of Sm3+ ions. The power-law parameters and Cole–Cole parameters were estimated and their dependence on concentration of Sm3+ ions is discussed.