Structure of binary neodymium borate glasses by infrared spectroscopy

Using fast roller quenching techniques, a new series of binary rare earth oxide borate glasses were synthesized, with general formula xNd(2)O(3) + (1 - x)B2O3, where x varies up to 35 mol%. The glasses were investigated by using mid infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The results show that the neodymium acts as a modifier, similar to an alkali metal. As x is increased, the borate glass network is shown to change from a three-coordinated to four-coordinated boron system. The results are further investigated by analyzing the spectra in terms of the location of the bands to show how the borate groups change upon neodymium addition. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.