Structural and optical properties of Tb-doped NaGd metaphosphate glasses and glass-ceramics

The optical and structural properties of terbium doped sodium gadolinium phosphate glasses of three different compositions subjected to a crystallization process were studied and compared with those of the parent glassy samples. The structural characteristics of the glassy and crystallized phases were determined by Raman spectroscopy and the results showed a remarkable reduction in the full width at half maximum of the Raman peaks after crystallization. Radio-luminescence measurements revealed the emissions of both Gd3+ and Tb3+ ions. Their intensities strongly increased and their intensity ratio was modified by the crystallization. The luminescence temperature dependence investigated by radio-luminescence measurements in the temperature interval from 10 to 310K became more complicated after crystallization. The role of free carrier trapping phenomena in the modification of the radio-luminescence efficiency was also studied by thermally stimulated luminescence. © 2009 IOP Publishing Ltd.