Study of optical, structural and radiation shielding properties of (55 − x)TeO2–20ZnO–25B2O3–xEr2O3 glass matrix

Erbium doped zinc boro-tellurite (EZBT) glass samples with molar composition of (55 − x)TeO2–20ZnO–25B2O3–xEr2O3 (x = 0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mol.%) were prepared by a conventional melt quenching technique. The prepared samples were characterised using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy techniques to investigate the structural, optical and dielectric properties. To study the radiation shielding capabilities, the parameters such as mass attenuation coefficient (μ m), half-value layer (HVL), effective atomic number (Z eff) etc., were evaluated using WinXCom software. Judd–Ofelt analysis was carried out to determine the intensity of electronic transitions and other radiative transition parameters within the 4f shell of erbium ions. The μ m values in a range of (108.5–0.03) cm2 g−1 for energy range (0.01–10) MeV were obtained for 2.0 mol.% erbium-doped tellurite glass matrix. The μ m and HVL values were also compared with conventionally used ordinary concrete and specific lead borate glass at certain energies. The detailed investigation of this current EZBT glass matrix is very useful in the specific optical and radiation shielding applications of this EZBT glass.