Crystallization and luminescence properties of (SmxY1 – x)2O3–Al2O3–B2O3 glass

Glass and products of solid-phase synthesis in the form of samarium-activated single-phase powders with huntite structure were obtained in the system Y2O3–Al2O3–B2O3. It was shown that the glasses studied crystallize with predominately aluminum borate Al4B2O9 precipitating in the bulk and the solid solution (Y, Sm)Al3(BO3)4 on the surface of the sample. When the crystalline powders (SmxY1 – x)Al3(BO3)4 transitioned into an amorphous state leveling of the Stark structure and broadening of the luminescence bands of Sm3+ was observed, but the luminescence branching ratios changed very little. It was found that lowering the synthesis temperature of such glasses from 1450 to 1250°C increases the BO4 fraction and quantum yield of luminescence with low activator concentration.