Substitution of ZnO by ZnF2: Impacts on optical and radiation shielding performance of Nd3+/Tm3+-doped tungsten–bismuth-tellurite glasses

Dual-purpose material with optical functionality and radiation shielding appears attractive for medical-related field applications. The present work explores the effect of replacing ZnO with ZnF2 on the optical and radiation shielding properties of Nd3+/Tm3+-doped TeO2–WO3–Bi2O3–ZnO glasses. UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectra reveal eight absorption bands around 467, 525, 581, 687, 726, 793, 870, 1211, and 1691 nm associated with transitions of Nd3+ and Tm3+ ions. Adding ZnF2 at 28 mol% concentration significantly enhances the absorbance of Tm3+ near 1691 nm, which adds value as an optical amplifier. Photoluminescence measurements under excitation, (λexc) at 467 nm portrays PL bands positioned at 509, 586, 626, 648, 795, 800, and 890 nm. Gamma attenuation parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), mean free path (MFP), half value layer (HVL), and transmission factor (TF) were analysed and compared using Phy-X, XCOM, and Geant4 simulations. The addition of 7 mol% ZnF2 significantly enhanced shielding performance, achieving the highest MAC (0.039–0.203 cm2/g), LAC (0.227–1.182 cm−1), RPE (6.58–29.85 %), HVL (0.587–3.056 cm), lowest MFP (0.846–4.409 cm), and TF (0.702–0.934), specifically 0.284, 0.347, 0.511, 0.662, 0.826, 1.173, 1.275, 1.333, and 2.506 MeV, corresponding to gamma-ray sources such as 137Cs, 60Co, and 22Na, as determined through Phy-X theoretical calculations. The results demonstrate that replacing ZnO with 7 mol% ZnF2 significantly enhances radiation shielding efficiency, making it a promising alternative to lead as a shielding material. Additionally, it shows strong potential as a material for red-region lasing applications.

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