Structure–luminescence relationship modulation in novel Nd3+-doped phosphate–molybdenum and phosphate–tungsten glasses

This work reports the synthesis of novel phosphate–molybdenum (MoO3) and phosphate–tungsten (WO3) glasses based on a PANK matrix doped with Nd2O3. We investigate the impact of concentration variations of these intermediary oxides on the structural and thermo-optical properties of the glass systems. The structural and luminescent properties were characterized by optical absorption, photoluminescence, time-resolved photoluminescence, and Raman scattering. The results indicate that MoO3 and WO3 effectively modulate the glass structure, leading to reductions in both phonon energy and optical bandgap. The presence of OH groups and non-radiative deactivation processes were found to dictate the luminescence dynamics of Nd3+ ions. Furthermore, efficient radiative energy transfer between the MoO3-containing host matrix and the Nd3+ ions was demonstrated.