Structural and luminescence properties of Sm3+‐doped bismuth phosphate glass for orange‐red photonic applications

In the present study, the effect of bismuth oxide (Bi₂O₃) content on the structural and optical properties of 0.5Sm³⁺‐doped phosphate glass and the effect of concentration on structural and optical properties of Sm³⁺‐doped bismuth phosphate (BiP) glass were studied. Structural characterization was accomplished using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Optical properties were studied using absorption, photoluminescence and decay measurements. Using optical absorption spectra, Judd–Ofelt parameters were derived to determine the local structure and bonding in the vicinity of Sm³⁺ ions. The emission spectra of Sm³⁺‐doped BiP glass showed two intense emission bands, ⁴G_5/2→⁶H_7/2 (orange) and ⁴G_5/2→⁶H_9/2 (red) for which the stimulated emission cross‐sections (σ_e) and branching ratios (β) were found to be higher. The quantum efficiencies were also calculated from decay measurements recorded for the ⁴G_5/2 level of Sm³⁺ ions. The suitable combination of Bi₂O₃ (10 mol%) and Sm³⁺ (0.5 mol%) ions in these glasses acted as an efficient lasing material and might be suitable for the development of visible orange‐red photonic materials.