Abstract

The results of X-ray diffraction and energy transfer studies of glass with composition 14K₂O, 2KCl, 85B₂O₃, with Tl⁺, Mn²⁺ and Nd³⁺ have been reported. In absorption studies an absorption edge at 280 nm and bands with peaks at (310 and 355 nm) are obtained for 0.2 5%, Tl⁺ in the glass. These bands (310, 355 nm) are quenched by the addition of Mn²⁺ (1.25%). Addition of Nd³⁺ (1%) with Tl⁺ and Mn^{2 +} introduces new bands which grow in intensity very rapidly and for Nd³⁺ (5%) the bands with peaks at 570,600 and 750 nm are found to saturate in intensity. The band responsible for laser action at 870 nm (4I_9/2 - 4F_3/2) is found to split in two sublevels with a difference of 140 cm⁻¹. The emission spectra when excited with 265 nm shows four bands with peaks at (330, 365, 420, 600 nm) for Tl⁺ (0.25%) and Mn²⁺ (0.25%) in the glass. Introduction of Nd³⁺ (5%) enhances the growth of long wave length bands at the cost of 330 nm. No emission in the visible region could be recorded when excited by Neodymium absorption bands even with the laser source. The ordered region of alkali borate glass is found to be (15-20 Å).

© 1984 Optical Society of America