Structural, optical, thermal, mechanical, morphological & radiation shielding parameters of Pr3+ doped ZAIFB glass systems

Authors have investigated a series of newly developed Pr3+ doped 10ZnF(2) - (5-y) Al-2 O-3-30LiF - 55B(2)O(3) - yPr(6)O(11) (y = 0-0.5 mol %) glasses synthesized through melt quench technique with an objective to analyse its optical, structural, thermal, morphological, mechanical and radiation shielding capabilities. The structural evolution was systematically investigated by density, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Energy dispersive analysis (EDAX). The overlaid absorbance (H-3(4) -> D-1(2)) and emission (D-1(2) -> H-3(4)) bands of 0.05 mol% of Pr3+-doped ZAlFB glass indicated the cross-relaxation channel for energy transfer between Rare-Earth (RE) ions. The ZAlFB:Pr3+ glasses excited at 445 nm exhibited intense reddish orange emission with D-1(2) -> H-3(4) transition at 605 nm. This proves its suitability in reddish orange LEDs. Luminescence quenching was observed past 0.05 mol% of Pr3+ concentration in ZAlFB glass. The D-1(2) -> H-3(4) transition exhibited maximum branching ratio (beta(r) = 0.8601) in Pr0.5 glass. All the Pr3+ doped glasses revealed strong thermal stability with Delta T > 100 degrees C. Pr0.5 glass sample showed maximum thermal strength and mechanical hardness (Vicker's Microhardness tester). Hence, compromise over the hardness or the optical properties of the samples were studied in the ZAlFB:Pr3+ glasses. Radiation shielding properties indicated 0.5 mol% Pr3+ doped sample as a superior gamma rays shielder among the investigated ZnF2-Al2O3-LiF-B2O3-Pr6O11 glass system with favourable luminescent and radiation shielding properties, these Pr3+ doped ZAlFB glasses can be used as photonic/lasing devices in radiation zones as well.