SOL-GEL PROCESSING AND PROPERTIES OF Eu3+ DOPED SiO2 - B2O3 GLASSES

Abstract

Eu³⁺ doped glasses from the SiO0₂ - _B2O3 system containing up to 20 mol % _B2O3 have been synthesized. To obtain a homogeneous glass, it was determined that a certain degree of hydrolysis of Si(OC₂H₅)₄ was essential before B(OC₂H₅)₃ could be incorporated. These glasses have been characterized by X - ray diffraction, DTA and IR spectroscopy. According to the XRD method, amorphous gels have been obtained. IR spectra exhibited bands in the 1700 - 620 cm^-1 range which could be related to the vibrations of SiO₄ and BO₃ inorganic structural units. Characteristic emission peaks of Eu³⁺ ions were detected in the luminescence spectra. The obtained results confirmed that Eu³⁺ doped glasses are useful for optical applications.