Mechanical properties of silver nanoparticles induced europium doped phosphate glasses for red laser application

Abstract

Magnesium-zinc-sulfophosphate glasses with varying concentration of Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) composition of 63.5P2O5-20MgO-15ZnSO4-1.5Eu2O3-zAgNps (z = 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7,0.9 and 1.1 g in excess) was prepared using melt-quenching technique. The as-Quenched glass samples were characterised to ascertain the correlation between physical and mechanical characteristics. The enhanced Young's, shear, and bulk modulus of glasses noted a comparative rise in AgNPs contents. The Poisson's ratio improved from (0.0978 to 0.1416) while Vickers hardness (from 0.0658 to 0. 0.0682 GPa) as well as GC12 (from 0.8350 to 0.8916) were enhanced. Photoluminescence spectra (emission) of the glasses showed four peaks at 593, 613, 654, and 701 nm equivalent to 5D0?7F0, 5D0?7F2, 5D0?7F3, and 5D0?7F4 transitions in europium in which the intense peak was observed at 613 nm (red). High Quantum Efficiency (? = 97.9%) was achieved due to significant PL enhancement. The studied glass may be useful for the development of red laser.