Characterization and optical properties of $$\hbox {Pr}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}$$-doped molybdenum lead-borate glasses

\(\hbox {Pr}^{3+}\) doped molybdenum lead-borate glasses with the chemical composition 75PbO?25–(x \(+\) y)\(\hbox {B}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}]\)–\(y\hbox {MoO}_{3}\)–\(x\hbox {Pr}_{2}\hbox {O}_{3}\) (where \(x = 0.5\) and 1.0 mol% and \(y = 0\) and 5 mol%) were prepared by conventional melt-quenching technique. Thermal, optical and structural analyses are carried out using DSC, UV and FTIR spectra. The physical parameters, like glass transition \((T_{\mathrm{g}})\), stability factor \((\Delta T)\), optical energy band gap \((E_{\mathrm{gopt}})\), of these glasses have been determined as a function of dopant concentration. The \({T}_{\mathrm{g}}\) and optical energy gaps of these glasses were found to be in the range of 290–350\({^{\circ }}\hbox {C}\) and 2.45–2.7 eV, respectively. Stability of the glass doped with \(\hbox {Pr}^{3+}\) is found to be moderate (\(\sim \)40). The results are discussed using the structural model of Mo–lead-borate glass.