Effect of Y2O3 on properties and structure of Nd-doped P2O5-Al2O3-ZnO glasses

Abstract

Effect of the substitution of Y₂O₃ for Al₂O₃ in the phosphate glass, Nd³⁺: P₂O₅-Al₂O₃-ZnO, on glass structure and properties are investigated. With Al₂O₃ replaced by Y₂O₃, the decrease in coefficient of thermal expansion and Young's Modulus, as well as the increase in fracture toughness, lead to a significant improvement in thermal shock resistance. According to the NMR and Raman spectra, changes in the coordination of Al³⁺ from P-O-Al (6) bonds to P-O-Al (4) bonds and glass structure occur, resulting in inflection points in properties. Moreover, the fluorescence properties are measured and analyzed. The relationship between glass structure and physical (ρ, T_g, α), mechanical (E, H_V, K_IC), and optical properties (n, σ_ems, Δλ_eff, λ_P) are explained.