Spectral parameters and visible fluorescence of Sm3+ in alkali–barium–bismuth–tellurite glass with high refractive index

Sm3+-doped alkali–barium–bismuth–tellurite (LKBBT) glass with high refractive index has been fabricated and characterized optically. The refractive index, density, optical absorption, IR transmittance, Judd–Ofelt parameters and spontaneous transition probabilities have been measured, calculated and analyzed. In the LKBBT glass, Sm3+ ions emit intense reddish-orange lights under the excitation of long-wave UV and blue lights. Absorption and excitation spectra indicate that commercial UV and blue laser diodes, blue and bluish-green LEDs and Ar+ optical laser are powerful excitation sources for Sm3+ visible fluorescence in the glass with high optical refractive index.