Optical, photoluminescence and physical properties of Sm3+ doped lead alumino phosphate glasses

Sm3+ doped lead alumino phosphate glass samples have been synthesized by melt quenching technique. XRD pattern confirm non-crystalline structure of all the synthesized glass samples. These samples were further used to measure some physical and optical properties viz. density, molar volume, optical band gap, refractive index and polarizability. Absorption, excitation and emission spectra of the selected glass samples were obtained using UV–visible and photoluminescence spectrophotometers. A shift in excitation wavelength range to short wavelength region (208nm) at high concentration of PbO is observed owing to the energy transfer mechanism from Pb2+ ion to Sm3+ ion; which confirm enhanced energy down conversion. In addition to four prominent emission transitions at 565nm, 595nm, 640nm and 709nm, one more peak appears at 685nm which attributes the transitions from 5D0 to 7F0 in Sm2+ ion. The high absorption intensity in UV region and strong emission of red light has been observed for all the glass samples. Higher densities for the synthesized glass samples were observed due to presence of lead (82Pb). The glasses have potential application in developing high energy electromagnetic radiation sensors. •Sm3+ doped lead alumino phosphate glasses were synthesized.•High absorption intensity for UV radiations was observed.•Enhanced energy down conversion mechanism was observed.•Effect of PbO (mol%) in glass systems on the different optical parameters was studied for the first time.•Higher density and presence of Pb in the glass systems make it potential candidate for radiation sensor.