Structural influence of Bi3+ ions on physical properties of Na2CuSiO4 glasses photoluminescence and thermoluminescence studies

Abstract CuO doped sodium silicate glasses mixed with different concentrations of Bi2O3 are synthesized. Photoluminescence, thermoluminescence characteristics have been investigated. Photoluminescence emission spectra exhibited a broad band in the bluish green region under excitation at 325 nm. This band is attributed to 3D1 → 1S0transition of (Cu+)2 pairs. The intensity of this emission band is observed to increase with the concentration of Bi2O3 up to 20 mol%. The increase is attributed to the increase in the concentration of Cu+ ions. Thermoluminescence (TL) emission exhibited a dosimetric peak at about 250 °C. The TL output under this glow peak is observed to decrease with increase of γ–ray dose and also with the increase of Bi2O3 content. The mechanisms responsible for TL emission and the variation in TL output with the concentration of Bi2O3 are quantitatively discussed in terms of electron and hole centers developed due to interaction of γ–rays with the glass network.