Sm^(3+) ions doped Sm_(2)Si_(2)O_(7)-based glass ceramics:Crystallization,luminescence and energy transfer process through heat treatment

Sm^(3+) ions incorporated Sm_(2)Si_(2)O_(7) crystalline phase formed in the aluminoborosilicate glass matrix synthesized via melting quenching technique followed by heat-treatment process is reported herewith.The preliminary confirmation on the obtained glass ceramics was made through X-ray diffration(XRD) studies.Formation of non-bridging oxygens(NBOs) in the glass network and the modes of vibrations of network units we re analyzed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) studies.Surface morphology of heat-treated samples at varying temperatures was determined via a field emission scanning electron microscope(FESEM).The absorption studies on heat-treated samples signify the low bandgap values and high Urbach energy values due to improved crystallinity in the glass network.Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters identified for visible absorption transitions follow the trend of Ω_(4)>Ω_(2)>Ω_(6).Excitation and emission studies on heat-treated samples show improvement in their intensities compared to the unheated base glass.The thermal quenching is observed at higher temperatures(540 and 580℃ for 3 h) of heat-treated samples.Calculations based on luminescence spectra including radiative transition probability,stimulated emission cross-section and branching ratio show good results for glass ceramics prior to precursor glass.Longer lifetimes of Sm^(3+) ions(milliseconds) in the level ^(4)G_(5/2) are seen for glass ceramics.Color coordinates suggest the reddish-orange emissions from prepared glass ceramics.Thus,Sm^(3+) doped Sm_(2)Si_(2)O_(7) glass ceramics are favorable materials for solid-state lighting and laser applications.