Lead-related centers of UV, visible and near-IR luminescence in SiO2 glass

• Published in: Journal of non-crystalline solids Vol. 452; pp. 176 - 186
• Main Authors: Sokolov, V.O., Kharakhordin, A.V., Laptev, A.Yu, Plotnichenko, V.G., Guryanov, A.N., Dianov, E.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 15.11.2016
• Subjects: Absorption; Computer modeling; Glass; Interstitials; Iridium; Lead-doped silica glass; Luminescence; Mathematical models; Modelling; Near-IR luminescence; Silicon dioxide; Lead-doped silica glass; Near-IR luminescence; Computer modeling
• ISSN: 0022-3093; 1873-4812
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2016.08.033

Absorption, luminescence and luminescence excitation spectra of MCVD-prepared SiO2:Pb glasses with Pb content up to 0.35wt% were studied. UV and visible luminescence was observed in the 0.3–0.45 and 0.5–0.6μm ranges. IR luminescence was found in the 0.85–0.95, 1.1–1.2 and 1.3–1.4μm ranges. Computer modeling of SiO2:Pb glass was performed. The main possible forms of Pb in the SiO2 glass network were found to be threefold coordinated Pb atom, diatomic Pb center, twofold coordinated Pb atom, and possibly fourfold coordinated Pb atom. Structure, electronic properties, absorption and luminescence of the centers corresponding to these forms and of possible lead-related centers responsible for the IR luminescence were calculated. The results of the experiments and modeling suggest that (1) the 0.3–0.45μm luminescence band is caused mainly by twofold coordinated Pb atoms and partly by threefold coordinated Pb atoms, (2) the 0.5–0.6μm luminescence band is caused by twofold coordinated Pb atoms, (3) 1.1–1.2μm IR luminescence band is caused by Pb+ interstitial ions, and (4) 0.85–0.95 and 1.3–1.4μm IR luminescence bands are caused by complexes formed by interstitial Pb0 atom and a pair of ≡SiSi≡ oxygen vacancies. •UV, visible and near-IR luminescence bands were observed in SiO2:Pb glasses.•UV and visible luminescence bands are in the 0.3–0.45 and 0.5–0.6μm ranges.•Three NIR luminescence bands are in 0.85–0.95, 1.1–1.2 and 1.3–1.4μm ranges.•Ab initio simulation-based models of Pb-related luminescence centers are proposed.