This study investigates the structural, optical, and spectroscopic properties of low-melting borate glasses (55B2O3–25Li2O–10Na2O–5CaO–3SrO–2Al2O3 mol%) doped with samarium oxide (Sm2O3) (0–2 mol%). The incorporation of Sm2O3 significantly alters the glass network, as revealed by FTIR and Raman spectroscopy, with Sm3+ ions acting as network modifiers that promote the conversion of BO3 to BO4 units and introduce non-bridging oxygens (NBOs). These structural changes are reflected in the measured physical properties: density increases from 2.48 to 2.61 g/cm3 due to the high molar mass of Sm2O3, while molar volume expands from 24.16 to 25.09 cm3/mol, attributed to the steric effects of Sm3+ ions. The glass system exhibits optimal photoluminescence (PL) at 0.5 mol% Sm2O3, with characteristic Sm3+ emissions (4G5/2 → 6H7/2 at 645 nm), though concentration quenching occurs at higher dopant levels. Chromatic analysis confirms an orange-red emission (1500 K), making these glasses suitable for warm lighting applications. The interplay between enhanced network connectivity and topological disruption, as evidenced by the measured physical and optical properties, highlights the potential of these materials for photonic devices and energy-efficient lighting technologies.
Alsharief et al. (Mon,) studied this question.