Chapter 99 Rare earth carbides

In this paper, structural and optical analysis of boro-tellurite based glasses co-doped with Dy3+ and Pr3+ ions has been carried out. The glasses were fabricated by traditional melt quenching technique. XRD results confirm the amorphous-like nature of the glasses. FTIR spectroscopy was applied to explore the functional groups and interactions for the samples. The transition temperatures of glasses were identified by TGA/DSC analysis. Optical absorption and emission spectra of all the glasses have been recorded in the UV Vis- NIR spectral range. Tauc's method was applied to determine the direct and indirect optical band gaps. Luminescence spectra show intense emission bands at ∼482 nm and ∼574 nm wavelengths under λexc = 388 nm corresponding to Dy3+: 4F9/2 → 6H15/2 and 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transitions. Decay time data revealed the occurrence of a non-radiative energy transfer from Dy3+ to Pr3+ ions. Intense emission bands are identified at ∼602 nm (orange), ∼487 nm (blue) and ∼574 nm (yellow) observed upon λexc = 437 nm, corresponding to Pr3+:1D2→3H4, Pr3+:3P0,1,2 → 3H4/Dy3+: 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 and Dy3+: 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 transitions, respectively, where the Dy3+ emissions are due to energy transfer from Pr3+ to Dy3+ ions. The CIE chromaticity results confirm that different colors can be generated by tuning the exciting wavelength, where all the glasses are capable to emit white light under λexc = 388 nm, while at λexc = 437 nm the samples (S2S4) emit reddish orange light. Accordingly, it is plausible to suggest these glasses for white LED and SSL applications.