Linear optical characteristics as well as gamma-ray shielding capabilities of quaternary lithium-zinc borate glasses with Y3+ ions

Abstract

Transparent quaternary lithium-zinc borate glasses with Y3+ ions with chemical formula 15Li2O–15ZnO-(70-x)B2O3-xY2O3, where x = 0.0 (BLZY0.0), 0.5 (BLZY0.5), 1.0 (BLZY1.0), 1.5 (BLZY1.5), 2.0 (BLZY2.0), and 2.5 (BLZY2.5) mol% has been prepared. The linear optical properties as well as gamma-ray attenuation capabilities of these glasses have been examined. The direct band gap (Eopticalgapdirect) was reduced from 4.3 to 3.35 (eV) and the indirect band gap (Eopticalgapindirect) was reduced from 3.09 to 2.82 (eV) by insertion of Y3+ ions. The recorded values of Urbach's energy (ΔE) were 0.718, 0.45, 0.37, 0.36, 0.33, and 0.26 eV for BZLY0.0, BZLY0.5, BZLY1.0, BZLY1.5, BZLY2.0, and BZLY2.5 respectively. The refractive index (n) values varied between 2.11 and 2.308 for direct transition, while between 2.37 and 2.45 for indirect transition. Numerically, the linear attenuation coefficient (μ) was found equal to 33.573, 34.417, 35.221, 36.095, 37.012, and 37.918 cm−1 at 0.015 MeV, while equal to 0.050, 0.051, 0.052, 0.054, 0.055, and 0.057 cm−1 at 15 MeV for BLZY0.0, BLZY0.5, BLZY1.0, BLZY1.5, BLZY2.0, and BLZY2.5, respectively. The half value layer (HVL) and mean free path (MFP) are found to take the order BLZY2.5 < BLZY2.0 < BLZY1.5 < BLZY1.0 < BLZY0.5 < BLZY0.0.In conclusion, the prepared glasses can be applied for optical and gamma-ray shielding applications.