Spectroscopic investigation of Pr³⁺ doped ZnS nanoparticle in silica glass matrix prepared by sol–gel method

In present work we report the structural and optical behaviour of (99-x) SiO₂ + 1ZnS + xPr (NO₃)₃·6H₂O glass system where Pr (NO₃)₃·6H₂O ions is doped in different molar concentrations (x = 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 mol %) have been prepared by sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed that the formation of glassy amorphous nature. FTIR spectra results confirmed the incorporation of the dopants into the ZnS lattice structure. The average particle size calculated from Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) spectra is around 10 nm and Selective area electron diffraction (SAED) image confirmed that studied glass is polycrystalline in nature. Judd–Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters (Ω₂, Ω₄ and Ω₆) have been evaluated from the emission spectrum. The radiative parameters such as radiative transition probability (A_R), branching ratio (β_R), stimulated emission cross-section (σ_se) and radiative lifetimes (τ_R) were obtained using the JO parameters. According to the CIE chromaticity, this glass can produce green light and be helpful for laser applications in the visible spectrum. It may be used as optical amplifier devices as indicated by the values of the Figure of Merit (FOM).