Optical and gamma radiation shield studies on Bi2O3-B2O3-Fe2O3- Bi3.25Dy0.75Ti3O12 glass-matrices

Abstract

The present ceramic-embedded glass matrix samples (100-x) [0.7 Bi₂O₃-0.2B₂O₃-0.1Fe₂O₃] + x [Bi_3.25Dy_0.75Ti₃O₁₂]; named as (100-x) BBF + x (BDT), with x=30,40,50,60 mol%, were prepared by traditional melt–quench method. The XRD spectroscopy revealed the amorphous nature and with increasing the Bi_3.25Dy_0.75Ti₃O₁₂ (BDT), it partially tuned to the mixed (crystalline-amorphous) structure. The density and molar volume values were found to increase with increasing the concentration of BDT, whereas the oxygen packing fraction decreases with an increase in the ferroelectric (BDT) concentration. Detailed optical spectroscopic measurements were carried out on BBF-BDT samples. FTIR Spectroscopy clearly confirms the presence of tri and tetra borate units. Raman spectroscopic analysis was also made to understand the optical and dielectric modes. Radiation shielding properties were studied and MAC (mass attenuation coefficient) values were found to be high (97.2cm²/gm-6.3cm²/gm) in the energy range of 0.01 MeV to 0.1 MeV). Small peaks observed in the intermediate energy range (0.06 Mev) confirms the mixed nature of the sample. All the samples were observed to be opaque in nature. The optical band gap was found to decrease with the BDT concentration. The results were corroborated by the optical and radiation shielding parameters. Based on the metallization criteria, it is concluded that these materials would be useful for non-linear optical applications. In addition, theoretical radiation shielding parameters are in good argument with the reported values. This suggests that this glass-matrix may be used in gamma radiation absorbers is considered to be environmental protective monitoring matrix systems.