Gd(2)O(3)-modulated borate glass for the enhancement of near-infrared emission via energy transfer from Gd(3+) to Nd(3).

(Li(2)O)(0.20)(SrO)(0.30)(Nd(2)O(3))(0.01)(B(2)O(3))(0.49-x)(Gd(2)O(3))(x), where x = 0, 3, 5, 7, and 10 mol%, glass was melt-quenched to test it as a laser source in the near-infrared (NIR) region. The structural modification, absorption spectra, Judd-Ofelt (J-O) parameters, luminescence spectra, radiative laser parameters, lifetimes, XRD, and FTIR spectra were studied. Luminescence spectra excited at λ(exc) = 584 nm revealed the highest intensity peak at 1073 nm due to the transition of (4)F(3/2) → (4)I(11/2). An important phenomenon of concentration quenching was observed and optimized luminescence was achieved with the sample having the concentration x = 07 mol%. The lifetimes of the donor and acceptor and energy transfer from gadolinium to neodymium were obtained from the luminescence decay kinetics. The findings show that Nd-doped Gd(2)O(3)-modified glass materials have potential as NIR laser sources.