Optical and radiation shielding properties of Europium doped Alkaline-Earth Boro Tellurite glasses

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of Europium (Eu3+) ions concentrations on the optical, radiation shielding characteristics and photoluminescence (PL) properties of Alkaline Earth Boro Tellurite (AEBT) glasses. Absorption measurements of Eu3+ions doped AEBT glasses were used to determine the bonding parameters between the ligands and the ions. Excitation wavelength (394 nm) was used to record the PL spectra of the as prepared glasses , and analyzed for the dependent radiative characteristics and J-O parameters. The experimental lifetime (τexp) and radiative lifetimes (τR) of the as-prepared glass samples were estimated from the PL decay spectral profiles of the 5D0 level recorded at 613 nm emission under 394 nm excitation, and the quantum efficiency was then calculated. Based on its relatively higher values of the stimulated emission cross-sections and quantum efficiency, as well as its intense red luminescence at 613 nm (5D0 →7F2), the 1.0 mol% of Eu3+ ions doped AEBT glass is considered as a good optical material. In addition, the gamma-ray shielding properties have also been investigated at different photon energies ranging from 0.015 to 15 MeV using Phy-X software. From the results it is contemplated that, AEBTEu2.5 glass has the potential with better radiation absorption compared to regular concrete and other glass systems. The as prepared glasses are also suitable for optoelectronic device applications in addition to radiative shielding applications.