Synthesis, structural, and optical properties of lead-free Tm3+ ions doped zinc tellurite glass and Ho3+ ions doped zinc borophosphate glass for radiation shielding application

Tm³⁺-doped zinc tellurite (TeBSrZnNaMg: Tm) and Ho³⁺-doped borophosphate (BPAgMgLiZn: Ho) glasses were synthesized via the melt-quenching technique. X-ray diffraction confirmed their amorphous nature. FTIR analysis identified characteristic functional groups. Optical absorption spectra revealed the ³H₆ → ³H₅ transition of Tm³⁺ at 1100–1250 nm, which is significant for infrared applications, while the ³H₆ → ³H₄ transition appeared at ∼800 nm. For Ho³⁺ ions, the 5I₈ → 5F₅ transition at 640 nm and 5I₈ → 5I₆ at 1150 nm were observed. The photoluminescence analysis showed emission peaks at 545 nm, 650 nm, and 750 nm for Ho³⁺, with CIE coordinates (x = 0.3215, y = 0.3246) and a CCT of 6057 K. TeBSrZnNaMg: Tm glass exhibited coordinates (x = 0.1684, y = 0.0075) and a CCT of 1916 K. The radiation shielding analysis showed that at 0.015 MeV, the linear attenuation coefficients were 155 cm⁻¹ (TeBSrZnNaMg: Tm) and 50 cm⁻¹ (BPAgMgLiZn: Ho), with MAC values of 38 and 13 cm²/g, respectively. The HVL was 4.77 cm and 8.173 cm, while TVL was 15 cm and 27.14 cm. FNRCS values were 0.082 cm⁻¹ and 0.138 cm⁻¹. The gamma-ray parameters such as Z_eff and mass attenuation coefficients of the fabricated glasses were studied with various energy ranges.

A high-purity germanium detector (ORTEC GEM 60P) with an energy resolution of 1.69 keV was used for gamma-ray measurements. JO parameters of both prepared glasses were studied. The results revealed that TeBSrZnNaMg: Tm and BPAgMgLiZn: Ho glasses are appropriate for blocking radiation.